September 20 | 1 Peter 1:1-2
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Chosen People, in Exile
By Elaine Pierce
The apostle Peter is writing to Christians who live far, far away from Jerusalem - hundreds of miles away. Many of them became believers when they travelled to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost, when they heard Peter preach (Acts 2). Now they are experiencing persecution because of their faith, and Peter is writing to encourage them.
These first two verses pack a punch. Peter reminds them that they are God's elect - yes, they are chosen! But they are also strangers and exiles in a land that is hostile to them and their beliefs.
He writes to them and offers them "grace and peace in abundance."
Peter doesn't sugarcoat their situation, but he offers them practical advice for how to live godly lives in the midst of suffering. This short book reminds his readers - and us - to be holy.....to praise God for a living hope...to submit to rulers and masters...and that, even in the midst of suffering, to do good.
How does this relate to our life in Columbus, Ohio, where we can worship freely every Sunday? In some ways, we have to be careful that we aren't lulled into a false sense of 'home.' Yes, we can go to church, we can join a small group, we can share our faith with others. But this world is not our home, and we, too, are exiles on this earth.
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I had the privilege this summer of being part of the UALC team that travelled to Morocco and spent a week investing in the lives of the children of the Rabat International Church. (Only non-Moroccans are permitted to attend Christian worship services - Morocco is a Muslim country). We led the children in a Vacation Bible School, and one of our memory verses was I Peter 2:9:
you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation for God
(In true UALC fashion, this verse was set to music and and we learned lots of fun motions that the children loved)
God has chosen us, and our home is not here - it is with him in his kingdom. While we are here, what a privilege it is to live each day for him, even when the days are long and hope seems lost. He will come again, and we will join him and all the saints in our eternal home.
PRAYER
Lord, we are chosen, and yet we are not home. Help us to live each day as strangers who long to be home, and help us to bring others into your kingdom. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
Hi Elaine - we don't know each other, and I've only been a UALC member for 5+ years, but in these years I've grown in my faith and have become much more willing to give of myself where I see the need. I have enjoyed reading of your journey in this body of Christ. When first hearing the call for small group leaders, I had all kind of excuses why I could not do that. The Holy Spirit kept working on me, I finally said "yes", and our group came together -- over four hears ago. We have become so close, caring for one another, combing through scriptures and messages in the sermons, and really hearing one another. U…