1 Peter 4:1-6 ....
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because those who have suffered in their bodies are done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Done with sin?
Seems a bit much to say that!
Please remember that the English Bible we have is a translation from the Greek and in some cases the Greek could be tricky to interpret. Check this translation out: Christ, then, having suffered for us in the flesh, ye also with the same mind arm yourselves, because he (Christ) who did suffer in the flesh hath done with sin. The boldfaced part is my addition to the text based on one commentator I read. Theologically, we believe that Christ died on the Cross for our sins and thus has done away with sin and death. Thus, Peter was trying to draw a parallel to Christ with a relationship between suffering and the defeat of sin.
Suffering in our lives does have a transformative effect on our values and attitudes and perspectives. People who have had a brush with death often share they are more grateful for life and more attuned to what is the really important stuff. Individuals who have experienced suffering sometimes say they find greater compassion for the weaknesses and difficulties of others.
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
Makes me think of the saying, youth is wasted on the young!
Leaving behind the old life can leave the new believer the object of ridicule. But the reality is that we all eventually have to stand before God and death is the equalizer.
For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
Is this preaching to the dead?
This idea was hinted at in the previous "spirits in prison" (1 Peter 3:19) if one takes that phrase to mean those who have died which is a debatable interpretation.
A second option for this passage is "those who are now (spiritually) dead."
A third option is offered by Eugene Peterson: Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.
I think the third option fits in with what has gone on in the verses before.
Anyway, what do you think of these six verses?
Seems a bit "stream of consciousness" here?
Peter started off with how suffering helps wring out the sin in us. Peter then described the life of sin that the Jesus followers reading the letter had left behind. Peter then connected that to how preaching the Gospel gives life. I guess it comes sort of full circle: the preaching of the Gospel involves sharing the suffering of Christ.
Lord, thank you that you did not leave us to our mis-directed ways but rather you sent Jesus to suffer on our behalf, to even die on our behalf so that we may have new life. Amen.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
1 Peter 3:8-22
Have had a ton of various projects at work and at church. But let's get back to 1 Peter ...
Previously ...
Theology: our new standing in Christ
1. Metaphor of living stones on the Living Stone, 2:4-8
2. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God, 2:9-10
How then shall we live?
1. Good lives, Good deeds, 2:11-12
2. Submission
To authorities, 2:13-17
To masters, 2:18-20
The example of Christ, 2:21-25
In marriage, 3:1-7
For an outline of I Peter 1:1-2:3 go here.
Continuing onward ... I Peter 3:8-22 ...
St. Peter winds up this part of the letter by exhorting the readers with the key behaviors!
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
He had come a long way from those days of Jesus and the 12 disciples. They often bickered and competed with each other. An older, wiser, humbler Peter encouraging the flock!
For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Here Peter reached back to his Jewish roots and cites a portion of a Psalm of David (Psalm 34:12-16) to strengthen the exhortation.
Peter then presses the point home citing what Jesus did ...
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
Great stuff! I picture Peter like a football coach firing up the team with these words.
Then would it be unfair to say, I feel he goes "off the rails" as some of the next few parts are hard for me to understand?!
He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
No problem there. But this ...?
through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.
What is this about? Spirits in prison? Is Jesus preaching to dead people from the past?
UPDATE: In digging around, another option for the meaning of "spirits in prison" is the fallen angels. I don't know which explanation works better. The strength of this view is that humans are body and spirit while angels are only spirit.
And then the following item about linking baptism with salvation?!
In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
I think Peter is pushing the imagery very hard here and it comes out a bit mangled. But the part I do see is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without that, we have nothing. And to the extent baptism is linked to that reality of ressurrection we are saved.
Just my view here as I contemplate the text. I did go check Eugene Peterson's Message rendering of this passage and he seems to be going in this direction as well.
My prayer Lord is that you would help me set apart Christ as Lord in my heart and prepare me to give an answer to everyone who asks me to give the reason for the hope that I have and to do so with gentleness and reverence. Amen.
Previously ...
Theology: our new standing in Christ
1. Metaphor of living stones on the Living Stone, 2:4-8
2. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God, 2:9-10
How then shall we live?
1. Good lives, Good deeds, 2:11-12
2. Submission
To authorities, 2:13-17
To masters, 2:18-20
The example of Christ, 2:21-25
In marriage, 3:1-7
For an outline of I Peter 1:1-2:3 go here.
Continuing onward ... I Peter 3:8-22 ...
St. Peter winds up this part of the letter by exhorting the readers with the key behaviors!
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
He had come a long way from those days of Jesus and the 12 disciples. They often bickered and competed with each other. An older, wiser, humbler Peter encouraging the flock!
For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Here Peter reached back to his Jewish roots and cites a portion of a Psalm of David (Psalm 34:12-16) to strengthen the exhortation.
Peter then presses the point home citing what Jesus did ...
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
Great stuff! I picture Peter like a football coach firing up the team with these words.
Then would it be unfair to say, I feel he goes "off the rails" as some of the next few parts are hard for me to understand?!
He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
No problem there. But this ...?
through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.
What is this about? Spirits in prison? Is Jesus preaching to dead people from the past?
UPDATE: In digging around, another option for the meaning of "spirits in prison" is the fallen angels. I don't know which explanation works better. The strength of this view is that humans are body and spirit while angels are only spirit.
And then the following item about linking baptism with salvation?!
In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
I think Peter is pushing the imagery very hard here and it comes out a bit mangled. But the part I do see is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without that, we have nothing. And to the extent baptism is linked to that reality of ressurrection we are saved.
Just my view here as I contemplate the text. I did go check Eugene Peterson's Message rendering of this passage and he seems to be going in this direction as well.
My prayer Lord is that you would help me set apart Christ as Lord in my heart and prepare me to give an answer to everyone who asks me to give the reason for the hope that I have and to do so with gentleness and reverence. Amen.
1 Peter 3:1-7
The beginning part of I Peter 3 continues on the theme of submitting to one another.
Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Re-read that again. How does it sound to you?
There is no question that when we read Christian Scripture, we are often colored by our knowledge or experience of how teachings have been misused.
Does this passage in any way justify spousal abuse or male domination or any such nonsense in the name of submission?
No way. No how. Can't be defended from what is in here.
Jump in our time machine and wind the clock back nearly 2000 years and read these words with that perspective.
Physical strength would have been at a much higher premium in that time and so for St. Peter to say, "treat them with respect as the weaker partner" would have been radical. The mind set would easily have been, the strong should dominate the weak. But the wisdom of the Scripture say, no to that.
Peter adds, "heirs with you of the gracious gift of life". Co-heirs! That's equality!
And though the word "submit" wasn't used explicitly for the husbands, the idea is there when Peter says, "Husbands, in the same way ... " after a list of encouragements to the wives. Again, mutual submission, respect, consideration ... no way, no how can male domination over women be defended here.
Lord, thank you for the wisdom preserved in Scripture to help us in our lives. It was useful then and it is still true for us today. As a new husband, help me to live up to this admonition of mutual submission, respect, consideration and living holy together with my wife, co-heir of the gracious gift of life you have given us. Amen.
Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Re-read that again. How does it sound to you?
There is no question that when we read Christian Scripture, we are often colored by our knowledge or experience of how teachings have been misused.
Does this passage in any way justify spousal abuse or male domination or any such nonsense in the name of submission?
No way. No how. Can't be defended from what is in here.
Jump in our time machine and wind the clock back nearly 2000 years and read these words with that perspective.
Physical strength would have been at a much higher premium in that time and so for St. Peter to say, "treat them with respect as the weaker partner" would have been radical. The mind set would easily have been, the strong should dominate the weak. But the wisdom of the Scripture say, no to that.
Peter adds, "heirs with you of the gracious gift of life". Co-heirs! That's equality!
And though the word "submit" wasn't used explicitly for the husbands, the idea is there when Peter says, "Husbands, in the same way ... " after a list of encouragements to the wives. Again, mutual submission, respect, consideration ... no way, no how can male domination over women be defended here.
Lord, thank you for the wisdom preserved in Scripture to help us in our lives. It was useful then and it is still true for us today. As a new husband, help me to live up to this admonition of mutual submission, respect, consideration and living holy together with my wife, co-heir of the gracious gift of life you have given us. Amen.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
1 Peter 2:18-25
I Peter 2:18-25 ...
Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
This is hard to take. Unjust suffering is one of the things we all instinctively recoil from. And so it sounds hard for my ears to hear in this teaching from Peter to bear up under slavery.
Some have criticized Christianity for slavery. Yet, of course, it was William Wilberforce's Christian convictions that compelled him to oppose slavery.
So what gives?
We do have to remember, in one sense, when we read Scriptures, we are stepping into a time machine. When the Apostle Peter wrote this, Christianity was a still an obscure though growing community. Christians were not in a position to change the system at that time. If Peter had called for the abolition of slavery, the slaves he would have wanted to liberate probably would have wound up dead.
Christianity did eventually gain enough followers to have an influence in society but sadly it would be far too long before slavery would be opposed and eventually overthrown.
And even more sadly, today, there are now different forms of slavery. One Christian group dedicated to the fight against 21st Century slavery is International Justice Mission.
Does God understand this kind of suffering and injustice?
Indeed, he does ...
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
And so, God does know. He went through it in Jesus. And it is in his sufferings, we can be liberated. And in his power, we go forth into the world bringing the message of liberation of people's souls by helping them be reconciled to the Great Shepherd and by all means possible, also liberating them from real chains.
Lord, set me free. Break the bonds that hold me to false gods. Help me to see what idols I knowingly and unknowingly bow down to. Pull me away from selfishness. Give me the vision to see injustice and the ears to hear how I can help do something about it. Amen.
Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
This is hard to take. Unjust suffering is one of the things we all instinctively recoil from. And so it sounds hard for my ears to hear in this teaching from Peter to bear up under slavery.
Some have criticized Christianity for slavery. Yet, of course, it was William Wilberforce's Christian convictions that compelled him to oppose slavery.
So what gives?
We do have to remember, in one sense, when we read Scriptures, we are stepping into a time machine. When the Apostle Peter wrote this, Christianity was a still an obscure though growing community. Christians were not in a position to change the system at that time. If Peter had called for the abolition of slavery, the slaves he would have wanted to liberate probably would have wound up dead.
Christianity did eventually gain enough followers to have an influence in society but sadly it would be far too long before slavery would be opposed and eventually overthrown.
And even more sadly, today, there are now different forms of slavery. One Christian group dedicated to the fight against 21st Century slavery is International Justice Mission.
Does God understand this kind of suffering and injustice?
Indeed, he does ...
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
And so, God does know. He went through it in Jesus. And it is in his sufferings, we can be liberated. And in his power, we go forth into the world bringing the message of liberation of people's souls by helping them be reconciled to the Great Shepherd and by all means possible, also liberating them from real chains.
Lord, set me free. Break the bonds that hold me to false gods. Help me to see what idols I knowingly and unknowingly bow down to. Pull me away from selfishness. Give me the vision to see injustice and the ears to hear how I can help do something about it. Amen.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
1 Peter 2:13-17
Next up in 1 Peter ...
Is "submit" a bad word?
I suppose people think of someone with a rod beating an innocent person into submission. That's bad! As a side note, if a police officer beat somebody with her stick who was about to commit a murder or some other crime would be justified.
But of course, the idea of submit could be a child taking the parent's word that touching the hot stove is a bad idea. That's good for a child to submit.
image source: http://www.stnicholascenter.org/stnic/images/prop-crozier.jpg
The idea of submission comes up in this part of 1 Peter 2 and in the beginning part of 1 Peter 3.
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
The wisdom of Scripture here says that government's role is to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. There are many ways that can be accomplished.
In American politics, there is an ongoing debate on the proper role of government. Simply put, the left wants more government, the center less and the right even less.
I do not think there is necessarily a "Christian" view of politics at this level. As I see it, the question is to what end (hopefully, a good one!)? And if to a good end, then what means (as long as it is moral) help achieve those ends?
Thus, for me, my political views are shaped by pragmatic concerns once my Christian ethic tells me the end being achieved is appropriate. As an example, making health care more available is a noble goal. Just think of how many hospitals have Christian affiliations! And so what are some practical means to reach that goal of making health care more available? At this point, my perspectives are guided by practical considerations. Since this is a devotional blog, I won't go into this matter any further!
But what happens when a government fails to live up to this role of to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right?
There have been governments that have done the opposite.
Nazi Germany clearly needed to be opposed and it was and it cost millions of lives to defeat that terrible evil. The Iron Curtain needed to be resisted and for much of the 20th Century, those totalitarian governments oppressed, arrested and executed many people. Over time, with determined resistance within and opposition from without, that system collapsed.
And so in St. Peter's day, the Roman Empire reigned strong. I suppose in some areas the local governors were brutal and perhaps in some areas they actually tried to be just. In any case, the admonition here is to start a revolution by a transformed life: doing good ... live free but don't abuse it ... live as servants ... Show proper respect ... love others ... fear God ... honor authorities.
Think that is good advice for me, living in 21st Century America?
How about where you clicked to this blog?
Lord, have mercy on the rulers and authorities in my nation. Whether they call you Lord or not, may they be granted wisdom to govern justly and effectively. There is a lot of frustration among the citizens of America with the government. Some of it quite understandable. Turn our disappointments into a renewed commitment to live rightly in our daily life toward our neighbors. Help us to do good. Help us to use the freedom and opportunities in the USA for good and not just self-interest. Give me a servant heart. Strengthen the impulse within me to be respectful and loving to others. Guide me to fear you and honor and pray for those who rule. Amen.
Is "submit" a bad word?
I suppose people think of someone with a rod beating an innocent person into submission. That's bad! As a side note, if a police officer beat somebody with her stick who was about to commit a murder or some other crime would be justified.
But of course, the idea of submit could be a child taking the parent's word that touching the hot stove is a bad idea. That's good for a child to submit.
image source: http://www.stnicholascenter.org/stnic/images/prop-crozier.jpg
The idea of submission comes up in this part of 1 Peter 2 and in the beginning part of 1 Peter 3.
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
The wisdom of Scripture here says that government's role is to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. There are many ways that can be accomplished.
In American politics, there is an ongoing debate on the proper role of government. Simply put, the left wants more government, the center less and the right even less.
I do not think there is necessarily a "Christian" view of politics at this level. As I see it, the question is to what end (hopefully, a good one!)? And if to a good end, then what means (as long as it is moral) help achieve those ends?
Thus, for me, my political views are shaped by pragmatic concerns once my Christian ethic tells me the end being achieved is appropriate. As an example, making health care more available is a noble goal. Just think of how many hospitals have Christian affiliations! And so what are some practical means to reach that goal of making health care more available? At this point, my perspectives are guided by practical considerations. Since this is a devotional blog, I won't go into this matter any further!
But what happens when a government fails to live up to this role of to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right?
There have been governments that have done the opposite.
Nazi Germany clearly needed to be opposed and it was and it cost millions of lives to defeat that terrible evil. The Iron Curtain needed to be resisted and for much of the 20th Century, those totalitarian governments oppressed, arrested and executed many people. Over time, with determined resistance within and opposition from without, that system collapsed.
And so in St. Peter's day, the Roman Empire reigned strong. I suppose in some areas the local governors were brutal and perhaps in some areas they actually tried to be just. In any case, the admonition here is to start a revolution by a transformed life: doing good ... live free but don't abuse it ... live as servants ... Show proper respect ... love others ... fear God ... honor authorities.
Think that is good advice for me, living in 21st Century America?
How about where you clicked to this blog?
Lord, have mercy on the rulers and authorities in my nation. Whether they call you Lord or not, may they be granted wisdom to govern justly and effectively. There is a lot of frustration among the citizens of America with the government. Some of it quite understandable. Turn our disappointments into a renewed commitment to live rightly in our daily life toward our neighbors. Help us to do good. Help us to use the freedom and opportunities in the USA for good and not just self-interest. Give me a servant heart. Strengthen the impulse within me to be respectful and loving to others. Guide me to fear you and honor and pray for those who rule. Amen.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
1 Peter 2:9-12
Continuing in 1 Peter ...
There is often a pattern to the writings of the Christian Scripture: a statement or series of statements that get at some big picture truth which is then followed by an exhortation of how to live life. This is the idea of ethical monotheism, a phrase I first heard on the radio from Dennis Prager.
Briefly put, ethical monotheism says, if we believe there is a God then we have moral obligations to live accordingly.
And so, Peter, follows this pattern in 1 Peter chapter one and now again in chapter two.
We have the big story of the Living Stone and us as living stones which illustrates what Jesus the Christ has done for us. And now we have the big picture put this way ...
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. 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.
We once were on the outside: not chosen, not royal, not holy and not belonging to God.
But because of what Christ has done, we were brought in. This should not lead to a haughty exclusivism but rather a humble gratitude and a gracious sharing of what we have received.
And so indeed, Peter follows up this grand news of belonging when we once didn't with these encouragements on how to live life ...
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 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.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Living out the faith isn't easy. There is darkness in this world, yet we want to help bring people from that darkness into the marvelous light of God's love. The path for a Jesus follower can be misunderstood, ridiculed, rejected and even persecuted in some places in the world, yet we want to come alongside those in the world just as Jesus did when we misunderstood, ridiculed, rejected and persecuted him. Our calling is to hear the praise and commendation of our God and not the applause of the world or the comforts of our ease.
Lord, have mercy. Bring me from selfishness to living with an awareness of God and others. Bring me from silence to graciously sharing words of love and life. Bring me from fear to standing for what is right in wise ways. Amen.
There is often a pattern to the writings of the Christian Scripture: a statement or series of statements that get at some big picture truth which is then followed by an exhortation of how to live life. This is the idea of ethical monotheism, a phrase I first heard on the radio from Dennis Prager.
Briefly put, ethical monotheism says, if we believe there is a God then we have moral obligations to live accordingly.
And so, Peter, follows this pattern in 1 Peter chapter one and now again in chapter two.
We have the big story of the Living Stone and us as living stones which illustrates what Jesus the Christ has done for us. And now we have the big picture put this way ...
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. 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.
We once were on the outside: not chosen, not royal, not holy and not belonging to God.
But because of what Christ has done, we were brought in. This should not lead to a haughty exclusivism but rather a humble gratitude and a gracious sharing of what we have received.
And so indeed, Peter follows up this grand news of belonging when we once didn't with these encouragements on how to live life ...
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 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.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Living out the faith isn't easy. There is darkness in this world, yet we want to help bring people from that darkness into the marvelous light of God's love. The path for a Jesus follower can be misunderstood, ridiculed, rejected and even persecuted in some places in the world, yet we want to come alongside those in the world just as Jesus did when we misunderstood, ridiculed, rejected and persecuted him. Our calling is to hear the praise and commendation of our God and not the applause of the world or the comforts of our ease.
Lord, have mercy. Bring me from selfishness to living with an awareness of God and others. Bring me from silence to graciously sharing words of love and life. Bring me from fear to standing for what is right in wise ways. Amen.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
1 Peter 2:4-8
STONE and stones ...
As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - 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. 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."
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,"
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.
This passage brought to mind when I was new in the faith. I remember pastor Dr. Lin taught us, as a Christian you are a "Christ Junior." My first reaction was that sounds strange. He would elaborate: since he was the ultimate prophet, priest and king, we are small prophets, priests and kings too.
He would explain what that should mean.
As a priest, we need to be praying for people and bringing them to God.
As a prophet, we need to be sharing God's message with people.
As a king, we need to be exerting rulership over the areas of life God has given us responsibility for.
And so in this passage in Peter, we get to see that Jesus is the STONE and we are living stones... stone and stone juniors!
What about THE STONE?
He is living. What a crazy metaphor, eh? Stones are as dead and inanimate as anything we know. And yet, Jesus is the LIVING stone. He is risen from the DEAD!
He is chosen and precious and the one who can be trusted!
What about us, the little stones?
We are living too! We were once dead but Jesus has given us life. So we too are living... living stones.
For what purpose?
built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ...
Thus, as stone juniors, we are being built into collection of priest juniors.
This imagery must have been very encouraging for people in the congregations who heard this letter from Peter.
But aside from this positive image there is a parallel negative response.
Take a look again ...
As you come to him, the living Stone
... a chosen and precious cornerstone
......... you who believe
......... those who do not believe
... stone the builders rejected
A stone that causes men to stumble
The message of Jesus is a powerful message of life and hope. Yet, he was rejected in his time and his followers over the centuries since have been rejected.
In some cases, the adage, the biggest hinderance to Christianity has been Christians, applies. Sad to say, there is truth to that.
But is the message itself and Jesus himself a hinderance?
As beautiful a life and message that was and is, people stumble because of it.
Lord, have mercy. Help me be a priest that lifts up to you the needs of people around me. I pray for compassion for a chaplain intern as he stands alongside the person in the hospital bed and the family in the waiting room and shows the love of Christ. I pray for strength and wisdom for the doctors in Haiti who minister with their gift and training of medicine in the face of overwhelming need. I pray for us in the USA who have so much that we would give to help those who have so little. I pray for those who in the world who seek to destroy life for you ask us to pray for our enemies. May you break through the darkness that shrinks their hearts. And is it wrong for me to ask that if they do not turn, that the hammer of justice would fall upon them ending their ability to inflict evil and suffering? Lord have mercy. Amen
As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - 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. 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."
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,"
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.
This passage brought to mind when I was new in the faith. I remember pastor Dr. Lin taught us, as a Christian you are a "Christ Junior." My first reaction was that sounds strange. He would elaborate: since he was the ultimate prophet, priest and king, we are small prophets, priests and kings too.
He would explain what that should mean.
As a priest, we need to be praying for people and bringing them to God.
As a prophet, we need to be sharing God's message with people.
As a king, we need to be exerting rulership over the areas of life God has given us responsibility for.
And so in this passage in Peter, we get to see that Jesus is the STONE and we are living stones... stone and stone juniors!
What about THE STONE?
He is living. What a crazy metaphor, eh? Stones are as dead and inanimate as anything we know. And yet, Jesus is the LIVING stone. He is risen from the DEAD!
He is chosen and precious and the one who can be trusted!
What about us, the little stones?
We are living too! We were once dead but Jesus has given us life. So we too are living... living stones.
For what purpose?
built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ...
Thus, as stone juniors, we are being built into collection of priest juniors.
This imagery must have been very encouraging for people in the congregations who heard this letter from Peter.
But aside from this positive image there is a parallel negative response.
Take a look again ...
As you come to him, the living Stone
... a chosen and precious cornerstone
......... you who believe
......... those who do not believe
... stone the builders rejected
A stone that causes men to stumble
The message of Jesus is a powerful message of life and hope. Yet, he was rejected in his time and his followers over the centuries since have been rejected.
In some cases, the adage, the biggest hinderance to Christianity has been Christians, applies. Sad to say, there is truth to that.
But is the message itself and Jesus himself a hinderance?
As beautiful a life and message that was and is, people stumble because of it.
Lord, have mercy. Help me be a priest that lifts up to you the needs of people around me. I pray for compassion for a chaplain intern as he stands alongside the person in the hospital bed and the family in the waiting room and shows the love of Christ. I pray for strength and wisdom for the doctors in Haiti who minister with their gift and training of medicine in the face of overwhelming need. I pray for us in the USA who have so much that we would give to help those who have so little. I pray for those who in the world who seek to destroy life for you ask us to pray for our enemies. May you break through the darkness that shrinks their hearts. And is it wrong for me to ask that if they do not turn, that the hammer of justice would fall upon them ending their ability to inflict evil and suffering? Lord have mercy. Amen
Saturday, January 16, 2010
I Peter 2:1-3
The news from Haiti remains grim.
President Obama has mobilized the resources of the US Government to help and is to be applauded for the swiftness and scale of the effort.
When it comes to disaster relief, politics must always be set aside and indeed, Former President's Clinton and Bush have teamed up to spearhead efforts.
Here is one list of agencies on the ground in Haiti.
Here is another list of groups working to assist Haiti.
There are many agencies doing work there and I hope you will pick one to support.
Please give to any reputable organization you trust. When people need help, we need to step up to the plate and give.
President Bush put it simply, "The most effective way for Americans to help the people of Haiti is to contribute money. That money will go to organizations on the ground and will be -- who will be able to effectively spend it. I know a lot of people want to send blankets or water -- just send your cash. One of the things that the President and I will do is to make sure your money is spent wisely."
And so now, I will go to an organization I have supported on many occasions in the past, World Vision, to donate.
Find one you want to support and please do so!
###
I Peter 2:1-3 ...
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Sometimes, the Bible has complicated stuff.
Sometimes, it is as plain as day.
Don't need to over think this one, eh?
If we have truly tasted the Lord's goodness in our lives, we have no option but to make every effort to set aside the old ways and grow in the newness of life and salvation He has given us.
Pretty much everything I Peter has been saying thus far has been along these lines.
Perhaps, it will do well to re-cap the ground we have covered in 1 Peter ...
Introduction 1:1-2
Reflection on the grand scope of the new birth and salvation
1. Its future inheritance, 1:3-5
2. Its present suffering, 1:6-9
3. Its anticipation by prophets and angels, 1:10-12
Living life in the Now - Four rounds of exhortation in action/motive pattern
1. Action (prepare your minds...)
motive - God is holy, 1:13-16
2. Action (live in reverent fear...)
motive - Precious blood of Christ, 1:17-21
3. Action (love...)
motive - Born through the living and enduring word of God, 1:22-25
4. Action (rid yourselves of all malice...)
motive - Tasted the Lord's goodness, 2:1-3
Lord, please work in my heart so that I would be your hands and feet in this world. Not only help me to set aside the old ways but make me bold and willing and empowered to live in a new way of love and reverence and alertness to what you are doing. Amen.
President Obama has mobilized the resources of the US Government to help and is to be applauded for the swiftness and scale of the effort.
When it comes to disaster relief, politics must always be set aside and indeed, Former President's Clinton and Bush have teamed up to spearhead efforts.
Here is one list of agencies on the ground in Haiti.
Here is another list of groups working to assist Haiti.
There are many agencies doing work there and I hope you will pick one to support.
Please give to any reputable organization you trust. When people need help, we need to step up to the plate and give.
President Bush put it simply, "The most effective way for Americans to help the people of Haiti is to contribute money. That money will go to organizations on the ground and will be -- who will be able to effectively spend it. I know a lot of people want to send blankets or water -- just send your cash. One of the things that the President and I will do is to make sure your money is spent wisely."
And so now, I will go to an organization I have supported on many occasions in the past, World Vision, to donate.
Find one you want to support and please do so!
###
I Peter 2:1-3 ...
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Sometimes, the Bible has complicated stuff.
Sometimes, it is as plain as day.
Don't need to over think this one, eh?
If we have truly tasted the Lord's goodness in our lives, we have no option but to make every effort to set aside the old ways and grow in the newness of life and salvation He has given us.
Pretty much everything I Peter has been saying thus far has been along these lines.
Perhaps, it will do well to re-cap the ground we have covered in 1 Peter ...
Introduction 1:1-2
Reflection on the grand scope of the new birth and salvation
1. Its future inheritance, 1:3-5
2. Its present suffering, 1:6-9
3. Its anticipation by prophets and angels, 1:10-12
Living life in the Now - Four rounds of exhortation in action/motive pattern
1. Action (prepare your minds...)
motive - God is holy, 1:13-16
2. Action (live in reverent fear...)
motive - Precious blood of Christ, 1:17-21
3. Action (love...)
motive - Born through the living and enduring word of God, 1:22-25
4. Action (rid yourselves of all malice...)
motive - Tasted the Lord's goodness, 2:1-3
Lord, please work in my heart so that I would be your hands and feet in this world. Not only help me to set aside the old ways but make me bold and willing and empowered to live in a new way of love and reverence and alertness to what you are doing. Amen.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
1 Peter 1:22-25
Happy New Years! Okay, am about 10 days late...
Anyway, back to the lifetime project of blogging through the Bible...
Coming up on the end of Chapter 1 ...
The Bible does contain elements of "deep thought." But I think foremost there is a linkage between theology and living life.
Here in the latest part of chapter one is a very practical challenge:
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
There is the truth of a holy God and what God has done in sending Jesus.
Then there is a response that is called for ... love.
This isn't intellectual rocket science!
But it does require a transformation ...
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.
Do we naturally love without God changing us?
Parental love for children is real. The love of friends is real.
These are beautiful expressions of love and reflect God's desire for how we are to live.
But of course, we have a connection in both cases ... a family tie and some common ground that provides emotional affinity for our friends.
How hard is it love a stranger?
This is where the church as a community can rise or fall. The people listening to this letter from Peter might have some family ties to each other. Some might have friendship connections from daily life. But I would guess that some (many?) would be strangers to each other.
Will they live up to this call to love?
Will having the desire to follow Jesus in common spur a love beyond family and friends?
And, of course, will the call to love extend beyond their own church community?
Indeed, one can marshal evidence of how Christians have failed to love. All too true.
But one must also look at the schools, hospitals, orphanages, support groups and other things that people of faith have started.
And hopefully, my transformed life will be evidence that God is alive as well.
Lord, thank you for Jesus and the transformation he has brought. Help me to live out the command to love. Clear out the hardness of my heart and replace it with a new heart that sees with your eyes and hears with your ears. Amen.
Anyway, back to the lifetime project of blogging through the Bible...
Coming up on the end of Chapter 1 ...
The Bible does contain elements of "deep thought." But I think foremost there is a linkage between theology and living life.
Here in the latest part of chapter one is a very practical challenge:
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
There is the truth of a holy God and what God has done in sending Jesus.
Then there is a response that is called for ... love.
This isn't intellectual rocket science!
But it does require a transformation ...
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.
Do we naturally love without God changing us?
Parental love for children is real. The love of friends is real.
These are beautiful expressions of love and reflect God's desire for how we are to live.
But of course, we have a connection in both cases ... a family tie and some common ground that provides emotional affinity for our friends.
How hard is it love a stranger?
This is where the church as a community can rise or fall. The people listening to this letter from Peter might have some family ties to each other. Some might have friendship connections from daily life. But I would guess that some (many?) would be strangers to each other.
Will they live up to this call to love?
Will having the desire to follow Jesus in common spur a love beyond family and friends?
And, of course, will the call to love extend beyond their own church community?
Indeed, one can marshal evidence of how Christians have failed to love. All too true.
But one must also look at the schools, hospitals, orphanages, support groups and other things that people of faith have started.
And hopefully, my transformed life will be evidence that God is alive as well.
Lord, thank you for Jesus and the transformation he has brought. Help me to live out the command to love. Clear out the hardness of my heart and replace it with a new heart that sees with your eyes and hears with your ears. Amen.
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