In the second chapter of his letter to the believers in Asian Minor, Peter focuses on loyalty, obedience and submission. Addressing the pilgrims of the day Peter invites his readers to seek spiritual nourrishment through the word of God.
In the first part of this chapter Peter’s use of the word ‘crave’ implies believers are to not only ‘want’ to grow in Christ but we are to actually desire to grow in Him with all we are. Our study of the word of God allows us to mature in our faith in Jesus Christ.
“1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:1-3)
Like hungry babies, Christians are to ‘long’ for the word of God. Satisfied only for a short time, we are to return to the source as we cry out for more spiritual milk which is the truth of God found in His word.
Peter then writes about the cornerstone of Christianity, Jesus Christ and the assignment to all believers to offer themselves as living stones building up the glorious house of God through sacrifice, faith and perseverence.
“4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, “8 and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.” (1 Peter 2:4-8)
In the verses above Peter tells us how all those who believe in Jesus will never be embarrassed by keeping their focus on Christ or the word of God. Adversingly Peter describes the precious stone that is the son of God as a stumbling block for those who choose not to believe.
Peter continues his metaphore stating that those with weak or no faith will indeed stumble and fall, following their destiny. By rejecting Christ as Lord and savior, unbelievers seal their fate and bring onto themselves eternal damnation.
Featuring an opposite destiny, Peter then addresses his readers labelling them as a chosen people, a holy nation, even royalty.
“9 But 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. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)
Crossing over from darkness to light, God’s chosen people are those blessed with the power of truth, that which always rules over evil. In tune with God’s plan, the chosen ones are the recipient of the Lord’s grace and mercy.
Often described as pilgrims, God’s holy nation is called to walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life in heaven. Inspired by God’s truth found in His word the bible, believers are invited to rely on the word of God from which stems good deeds to guide their ways among those of the world.
“11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12)
When unbelievers stumble upon the almighty presence of Christ, they can be inspired to cross over from darkness to light when faced with the obvious: That Jesus Christ is made known to them through those who believe in Him.
Facing each day as living sacrifices Christians are called to be examples of discipleship according to the word of God. In such I invite you to dwell on the first section of this chapter’s letter to the people of Asia Minor and allow the spirit to guide your footsteps toward the way everlasting until the day of visitation, the day our Lord will return to claim His kingdom, His people.
Are you among God’s chosen ones? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior? Have you deeds, works that are in tune with the word of God? Have you led people to Christ through your actions, your words? The answer to these questions tell a story that holds eternal consequences… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for this day and for your servant Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ
We praise you for his wisdom and for his works through this letter,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use this scripture in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of Peter.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we face fear brought on by judgment
As we trust your plan for our lives and acknowledge our need to fulfill this perfect plan,
Allowing us to spread your divine light as part of your church scattered
Reaching out to those who dwell in darkness or have strayed from righteousness.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
