1 Peter
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
James
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
So from the very beginning we learn that part of being of person belonging to God includes becoming a chosen exile... A scattered people. It begins in Genesis 3, does it not? Adam and Eve being exiled from Eden. Abraham is chosen by God to scatter. As is Joseph and a host of others throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. Then we come to Christ. Exiled from the presence of God to take on flesh. Exiled from his home town. Exiled away form God once again on the cross. The tradition of being a chosen stranger runs deep throughout the Bible.
So much for prosperity Gospel. (At least prosperity as some define what it means to be prosperous.)
To finish with words from 1 Peter...
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Mini Putt
2 comments:
And oh what joy shall fill my soul!
True we are often scattered to the furthest possible locations and yet my experience is, nothing can seperate us from the love of God... and as brothers and sisters in Christ we are NEVER alone. That is the wonder and beauty of ELECT.
I do not believe the phrase, God so loved the world should not fall on deaf ears...if he loves his world he created...can we do less. If we are able to express the love of God, who can also be an angry God, to those about us where ever we are, what greater joy is there?
It is great joy to me that you two know that in your hearts.
God Bless GM
Love your thoughts, would love to converse more about 1 Peter. I am planning on using this book as my teaching on our mission trip next week.
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