Tag Archives: the book of 1 Peter

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)

As a disciple of Jesus, do you think of yourself as chosen?  Do you see yourself as a member of a royal priesthood; an intercessor between man and God?  Do you consider yourself a citizen of a holy nation?  To whom do you belong; are you God’s special possession?

When I was in university, it was not uncommon to encounter students who — outwardly — looked like the stereotypical poor college student but were, in fact, heirs of family fortunes.  It didn’t seem to matter to them whether they dressed-up or dressed-down, because it didn’t change the fact of who they were or their destiny.

Peter’s words remind us of how God sees everyone — repeat — everyone who claims His name.  Don’t sell yourself short, and remain mindful of the great gift God has given you today.  – Luther

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“But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.  To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”  (1 Peter 2:20b-21, NIV)

To “follow in his steps” means going wherever He may go, even into the crucible of personal suffering for doing good.

Because He has left us “an example,” it means doing as He has done: Enduring suffering for God’s glory.

To imitate Jesus is our calling!  It may be the only glimpse of Christ at work through suffering that some of your neighbors, co-workers, family members, and friends see today.  – Luther

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“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”  (1 Peter 1:17, NIV)

In today’s scripture, Peter reminds the reader of two important things: (1) We are foreigners (some translations read “pilgrims”) on this earth.  Heaven — not earth — is our home.  We are, for a time, merely visitors here, and;  (2) We need to live each day of our lives in “reverent fear.”

Contrary to what the world would have us believe, fear is not a bad trait.  The problem is that we too often fear the things and people we should pay no mind; and we pay no mind to the things that we ought to fear.

For example, a fear of electricity is warranted.  Although we use electrical power every day, we observe and teach others a reverence for it that keeps us from abusing it.  Such an attitude is not a bad thing.  In fact, this “reverent fear” may have kept us from destroying ourselves by accidental electrocution!

As pilgrims on this rolling sphere, we need to keep in mind that our time is short, and our opportunities for good are constantly opposed by evil.  If for these reasons alone, live in “reverent fear.”  Our heavenly Father is awesome in His power, yet he deals with us with gentleness and grace.  – Luther

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