Peculiar and zealous

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. - Titus 2:11-14

He gave Himself for us to redeem us to purify us as His peculiar people who are zealous to do His good works.

What means this ‘peculiar people?’ Newer translations use words like ‘special’ and ‘his very own’ and those are fine translations. I like the word peculiar because, well, it is kind of peculiar to our ears and it piques my interest.

This word ‘peculiar’ in 1611 dealt mostly with property. It was a legal term that dealt with total ownership. When the mortgage was paid the property became ‘peculiar’ to you and no one else. That’s a great translation it refers to us as God’s special, chosen possession belonging only to Him. It was a costly possession, but He made it to make us His own.

As His peculiar possession we are now to act in a way that proves us zealous of good works. It means that we are fervent and fired up about doing good works. This always makes me think of sporting fans who are dedication to their team and will do anything to support. These are kind of rugby fans who will sit in the lashing rain on an windy, freezing cold, miserable February afternoon to cheer Ireland on to victory. Nothing can dissuade them.

When we think about how precious we are to God that kind of zeal should not sound unreasonable. It ought to be the most natural thing in the world to have that desire to serve when we realise how peculiar we are to Him.

Can I be as zealous for God’s work as I am Irish rugby?