Before you read this passage, a word of warning: deep reflection on these verses can be thoroughly invigorating!
Today’s scripture: I Peter 2:1-10 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two before reading on.
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
There are some amazing, positive, exhilarating truths here, aren’t there? God has called us out of darkness into God’s marvelous light to become “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.” We are like living stones that comprise a spiritual house with the foundation being our precious Lord, Jesus Christ! Some highlights include:
- God has called __________ (put your name here!) out of darkness, into God’s marvelous light.
- God hasn’t chosen you alone, but rather, you are part of “a holy nation.” Think of the potential for good God’s group has in this world!
- We have received God’s mercy, meaning God’s “kind and compassionate treatment of an offender” (The American Heritage Dictionary).
Notice that our reading begins with “Therefore” (or a similar word, depending on your translation). This directs us back to Peter’s statements in chapter one, which give the reason we are to get rid of all malice, guile, insincerity, envy, and slander. There, he speaks of our inheritance in Jesus Christ which is imperishable, secured in heaven for us. He also proclaims we’ve been ransomed (or literally, paid for), not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, implying that it is imperishable. And, we have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable. So, he’s talking about eternal realities here, not what we buy on a trip to Target!
“Like spiritual babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” This is Peter’s portrait of beautiful Christian character. Once you have received God’s pure, uncontaminated truth, your spiritual appetite is satisfied. You don’t crave hearing gossip or spreading it. You have no desire to deceive someone for personal gain. There is no urge to injure someone’s reputation, even if that person has hurt you deeply.
What a pure and innocent picture God is painting for us here! Once a baby receives the warm, soothing, pure milk from the mother, the child is perfectly content — it’s absurd to think of a baby who’s just had a meal from mother sit up and say, “Come on, mom, I want some pop and candy! No? Well, can I at least have a cigar, then? It’s been a rough day!”
As we come to Christ and give him our hearts, we are to give our gifts to others so they may benefit. This sounds easy, but life often makes it hard to do! How often does “I just don’t have time,” or “I can’t really love that person” run through your mind?
However, we do expend the effort to serve others, because we “have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” Once you’ve experienced God’s mercy, there’s a motivation that overcomes fear, fatigue, resentment, and hurt. If you fall, His mercy will help you get back up! As part of God’s royal priesthood, there’s a fire in your heart to follow Christ, no matter where he leads! May God bless you today in your adventure of walking with Christ!
Thought for the day: Thank you, Lord, that I can be one of your people, so I can declare and display your love.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.