It is interesting to read an epistle or letter from someone other than Paul. Peter, one of my favorites, has a markedly different style and approach from Paul. Their lives traveled significantly different paths to Jesus and I enjoy the variety!
Peter starts off with a humble introduction, simply calling himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. And then speaks words of encouragement to the saints who had been scattered from their homes. He reminds them that they are chosen and loved by God, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you," 1 Peter 1:3-4 NRSV. When I read Peter's words I see him as a good coach, reminding the troops of who and whose we are. It is VERY helpful and encouraging to me!
Hi coaching and encouragement continues with a call to readiness when he says, "Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;" 1 Peter 1 :13-15 NRSV. What a great reminder and a simple call - be holy!
I have found the scripture here that I will meditate on today - maybe for a few days. "Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God." 1 Peter 1:2 NRSV. It reminds me to set my faith and hope on God and God alone. I sometimes place my trust and faith in wrong things, and then I wonder why they break my heart. Lord, help me today to set my heart and faith on you alone!
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2 comments:
I think it's been a long time since I read 1&2 Peter! Interesting to have yet another type of biblical literature written to people in exile. It is hard for us, never exiled, to imagine what that's like, I think.
I like verse 17, about being careful if you call on God who judges - make sure you're ready for God to look at your life too!
Yeah - I like what you said too Elizabeth - good reading, and it has been awhile. Also, be ready to be judged by God who is the real judge - not us. Good stuff here in this passage.
I took kindly to verses 13-15 also. It's so great to hear Peter tell us o discipline ourselves, and to think about the fact that Christ will be revealed, and the grace that will include. He also says to not conform to those desires we used to conform to when we were less smart, and not holy...that's sometimes difficult, eh? Don't go back to your old ways, you are a new creation now! I see kids struggle a lot with this idea (to change, and not go back), because they don't stop hanging out with similar people who pull them back in the wrong direction! Praise God that he helps us stay focused on him.
Set your faith in God alone. What an idea. Why does that sometimes seem so hard?!
Where's Bill? Is the blog broken?
Marshall
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