The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, May 03, 2017 with Scripture 1 Peter 2:19-25

The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, May 03, 2017 with Scripture 1 Peter 2:19-251 Peter 2:19 For it is a grace when someone, because he is mindful of God, bears up under the pain of undeserved punishment. 20 For what credit is there in bearing up under a beating you deserve for doing something wrong? But if you bear up under punishment, even though you have done what is right, God looks on it with favor. 21 Indeed, this is what you were called to; because the Messiah too suffered, on your behalf, leaving an example so that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
nor was any deceit found on his lips.”[1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9]
23 When he was insulted, he didn’t retaliate with insults; when he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but handed them over to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins[1 Peter 2:24 Isaiah 53:4, 12] in his body on the stake,[1 Peter 2:24 Deuteronomy 21:22–23] so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness — by his wounds you were healed.[1 Peter 2:24 Isaiah 53:5] 25 For you used to be like sheep gone astray, but now you have turned to[1 Peter 2:25 Isaiah 53:6] the Shepherd, who watches over you.[Complete Jewish Bible]
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Whether we read it or sing it, these are powerful words, "by his wounds you have been healed." I don't think seminary or any training could have prepared me for the work I would be called to do in walking with people in their pain. It didn't take long in ministry for me to realize that we are all in need of some healing. We have our wounds and hurts that we carry with us. We have our own struggles of guilt and shame that weigh us down.
There are times when we need the church, because we are the wounded in need of healing. And, there are times where we get to be the church, when we help to provide healing to the wounded. How is your faith leading you to journey with and care for another? How is this good news of God's grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ calling to you care for others as you come alongside them in their journey?
Merciful God, open our hearts to know your love and follow your call to care for others with whom you have called us into relationship in the midst of their need. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Rob James, '06
Pastor, GPS (God's People Serving) Faith Community, Machesney Park, Ill.
1 Peter 2:19 For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly.
20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.[New Revised Standard Version]

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THE LUTHER SEMINARY
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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