Seventh-day Adventist® Church

Another day enjoyed at another camp, this time at the Southern England camp for primary aged kids (SEC Adventurer Camporee). It seemed strange to me on Friday evening not to be at this camp. I have run this camp for eight years, and now I was at home, with one of my daughters camping in a field. Something just seemed odd.

Their camp theme is "You are Royal too". Linking the Jubilee weekend with the story of Esther, and the concept that everyone has the chance of being a child of God, therefore royalty; God is called the King of kings.

I was interested to notice, while driving down the M4 towards Bristol, that the motorway signs have been changed. The town of Wootton Bassett has had its name changed to Royal Wootton Bassett, in recognition of the town's respect for the servicemen and women killed in action while serving abroad. The towns people line the street as the hearse brings the body from the RAF base to the chapel of rest. Now the motorway signs proclaim the promotion of the town to "ROYAL" Wootton Bassett. The town has become royal too.

These two things today remind me of verses in 1 Peter. Chapter 1:13 says, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." This preparation is about spending time with God throughout your day, sharing yourself with God, tabernacling (meeting up) with God regularly.

This is because "you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (2:9 NIV). 

The kids are learning that they are royal too. The people of Wootton Bassett have a renamed town, it is royal too. Peter calls those who follow Jesus a royal priesthood. That means if you are a follower of Jesus you are royal too.

As you seek the presence of God, know that you are sons and daughters of God, you are royalty too.

-Pr Nathan Stickland