Our Living Hope

Day 1 Confused? Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 1 Peter 1:1, 2 Alex and Amy (not their real names) were high school sweethearts and got married after graduating college. When we reconnected at our ten year high school reunion in 1991, they asked why I wore a Star of David with a cross in the center of it. I told them that even though I'm Jewish, I accepted Jesus as my Savior in 1988. Amy said I was confused and Alex told me to go away. Have you ever had the experience of being among a large group of people only to feel alone, displaced, or isolated? Even more, did you ever think that you had something significant or even remotely interesting to share but were dismissed and deemed irrelevant? Peter opens his letter by referring to himself as "an apostle of Jesus Christ”(1:1). What is an apostle? An apostle is a person who has been called and sent out by Jesus to go to various locations for the purpose of sharing the gospel message. The gospel (or literally "good news") is that Jesus took our punishment and God's judgment for our sins, died in our place, and rose victoriously from the grave on the third day to grant eternal life to all who trust in His name. The gospel reached people more than 600 miles away from its origin in Jerusalem without the use of planes, trains, automobiles, or social media. This was a very significant accomplishment. Peter refers to believers of the gospel in this letter as "elect exiles,"or chosen foreigners. They were dispersed due to the early persecution of Christians. These believers in Jesus are considered chosen "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”(1:2). In God's infinite and mysterious wisdom from eternity past they were chosen for a predetermined relationship with Jesus. Why? “In the sanctification (set apart for holy purposes) of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood”(1:2). The work and partnership of the Trinity is on full display as each member exercises His distinct role in offering humanity the gospel of Jesus Christ. This offer is available to all people, but only a few will truly receive and believe it (see Matthew 22:14). Finally, Peter expresses his greeting of grace (God's undeserved or unmerited favor toward those under condemnation) and peace (inner tranquility, absence of chaos) to be multiplied to them. How wonderful it is when people not only receive God's grace and peace, but also demonstrate it to a watching world longing for genuine authenticity. The world of Peter's time (and ours today) saw these believers in Christ as outcasts, misfits, and rebels against the societal mainstream. And they were persecuted for it. Peter saw these people as those forgiven of their sins and exiles set apart for God's purposes. Their lives had definite worth, value, and meaning. They were not confused. Can you relate to these people? As a believer in Jesus Christ, do you sometimes feel out of place when you're among those who don't share your faith? Be encouraged by Peter's reminder of God's complete greatness. You were chosen and set apart for His purposes. If you've embraced Christ, you never have to feel alone or irrelevant again. You are not confused!