9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession. You have become this people so that you may speak of the wonderful acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light. 10 Once you weren’t a people, but now you are God’s people. Once you hadn’t received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Reflection
I like to have resources that are helpful in everyday life, for work, to be better able to help people in general and to better understand the Trinity and how I can see, and help others to see, God’s love and truth in their life and then go on to share that with others. With that perspective, life always seems interesting so much of the time. Let me share with you some examples of what I mean.
Earlier this afternoon, before I sat down to write this devotional, I was talking with a doctor who was back at work, but still recovering from a medical problem so severe that his doctors gave him a 10% chance of living. He was in the hospital for weeks. He said, I have always had faith but I experienced God’s presence and the power of people’s prayers in such a new and powerful way that I don’t think I will ever forget.
Sunday we visited family and grand kids in North Jersey, in part to celebrate two birthdays. We had a chance to ask our daughter-in-law how the Yoga classes she instructs are going and are her rheumatoid arthritis symptoms improved as a result. We thought she was feeling so much better because of her yoga and modified diet, which is true, but she told us more. The ceiling in the yoga studio has infrared lights, the energy from which warms her body and she feels so much better in that space. We also learned that there is such a thing as a full spectrum infrared sauna.
Because of inspiration from Joe’s June 2nd sermon, I thought to talk about the message with a person who is unable to leave their home and told her it made me think of her and suggested that she could share more of her beautiful artwork with others. Always be ready for a surprise. She gave me three drawings she had selected for someone special to her and I will get them delivered shortly.
These are but three examples of adversity and challenges having a positive impact.
Peter’s scripture above was meant to be an encouragement for his readers, Peter introduced some wonderful titles for God’s people to convey their honored position in God’s eyes. Even though they had to endure suffering they were still God’s chosen generation. As Israel was called God’s chosen people in the Old Testament, so believers are designated as chosen, or elect, in the New Testament. As Christians we are “God’s own people” (NRSV) or “a people belonging to God” (NIV). We display the praises of God and therefore can proclaim who he is with honesty and caring.
If you have time read to end of the chapter in your bible you will find Peter describing God’s people as immigrants living in a world where their love and caring may not be appreciated. In that environment he exhorts them to live honorably so that they will be a light for others.
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
Pastor Joe mentioned in this last Sunday’s message that looking back at past experiences, both good and bad, helps us to navigate our lives and plan for the future. Can you see in 1 Peter Chapter 2 the things that Peter is saying are very much like what Pastor Joe is suggesting?
How comfortable are you in trying to apply scripture to your life?
Would you like to find a better way?
Prayer: Dear Lord, we are blessed by you and the gift of Jesus for loving us so much. Help us to make time in our lives to be with you, to feel your presence and your leading. Give us the heart to observe others who have experienced sickness or relationship problems and, by observing, be able to see better where we need to go. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.