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“You are…a people who are God’s own possession”
Friday, 25 August 2017
1 Peter 2:3 For you have tasted that Adonai is good.[1 Peter 2:3 Psalm 34:9(8)]
4 As you come to him, the living stone, rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him, 5 you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be cohanim set apart for God to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to him through Yeshua the Messiah. 6 This is why the Tanakh says,
“Look! I am laying in Tziyon a stone,
a chosen and precious cornerstone;
and whoever rests his trust on it
will certainly not be humiliated.”[1 Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16]
7 Now to you who keep trusting, he is precious. But to those who are not trusting,
“The very stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone”;[1 Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22]
8 also he is
a stone that will make people stumble,
a rock over which they will trip.[1 Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14]
They are stumbling at the Word, disobeying it — as had been planned. 9 But you are a chosen people,[1 Peter 2:9 Isaiah 43:20; Deuteronomy 7:6; 10:15] the King’s cohanim,[1 Peter 2:9 Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6] a holy nation,[1 Peter 2:9 Exodus 19:6] a people for God to possess![1 Peter 2:9 Isaiah 43:21; Exodus 19:5] Why? In order for you to declare the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
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4 As you come to him, the living stone, rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him, 5 you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be cohanim set apart for God to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to him through Yeshua the Messiah. 6 This is why the Tanakh says,
“Look! I am laying in Tziyon a stone,
a chosen and precious cornerstone;
and whoever rests his trust on it
will certainly not be humiliated.”[1 Peter 2:6 Isaiah 28:16]
7 Now to you who keep trusting, he is precious. But to those who are not trusting,
“The very stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone”;[1 Peter 2:7 Psalm 118:22]
8 also he is
a stone that will make people stumble,
a rock over which they will trip.[1 Peter 2:8 Isaiah 8:14]
They are stumbling at the Word, disobeying it — as had been planned. 9 But you are a chosen people,[1 Peter 2:9 Isaiah 43:20; Deuteronomy 7:6; 10:15] the King’s cohanim,[1 Peter 2:9 Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6] a holy nation,[1 Peter 2:9 Exodus 19:6] a people for God to possess![1 Peter 2:9 Isaiah 43:21; Exodus 19:5] Why? In order for you to declare the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
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Peter saturated his description of what it meant to belong to God’s people, the church, with quotations and allusions to the Hebrew Scriptures. Peter, like Paul, saw the Jesus movement as an extension and fulfilment of the call God first gave to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. Peter’s reflection on belonging to Christ expressed what scholar N. T. Wright wrote about the story in John 1: “What Andrew and Simon Peter thought they were doing was looking for the Messiah. What they didn’t realize was that the Messiah was looking for them.”*
• Pastor Paul Cedar wrote, “A spiritual temple requires a very specific kind of building material. It is to be built of living stones—the very lives of those who have become spiritually alive through faith in Jesus Christ. And such building must begin with Jesus Christ.” ** How did you come “spiritually alive,” to become a “living stone”? How has that shaped your life? What connects you with other members of this “temple” God is building?
• Pastor Paul Cedar wrote, “A spiritual temple requires a very specific kind of building material. It is to be built of living stones—the very lives of those who have become spiritually alive through faith in Jesus Christ. And such building must begin with Jesus Christ.” ** How did you come “spiritually alive,” to become a “living stone”? How has that shaped your life? What connects you with other members of this “temple” God is building?
• In what ways do you resonate with the idea that you have been “called out of darkness” into God’s amazing light? What type(s) of darkness has God had to dispel in your life? Have you ever stopped to ponder the idea that, in Christ, you are a member of “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession”? How can that reshape your sense of mission and purpose in life?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you came looking for me, maybe before I even knew I needed you. Thank you! Help me to live a life built on you, not one that stumbles over your call. Amen.
* N. T. Wright, John for Everyone, Part 1: Chapters 1–10. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004, p. 14. ** Paul Cedar, The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 34: James / 1 & 2 Peter / Jude. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1984, p. 137.
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Darren Lippe
Darren Lippe helps facilitate Journey 101 “Loving God” classes, guides a 7th-grade Sunday school class, is a member of a small group and a men’s group, and serves on the curriculum team.
In preparation for the eclipse last Monday, our small group spent last Sunday evening discussing several lunar/cosmic events recorded in the Bible. To add to the festivities, my wife, Doris, baked some homemade Moon Pies to serve with our Milky Way candy bars. (Sigh. It’s going to be one of thosedays – Editor.) I deliberately didn’t mention the packs of Orbit & Eclipse gum we had on hand, because I thought that would be overdoing it – DL. (Good grief. I had some aspirin in my desk drawer yesterday, where are they? – Editor.)
Of course, the eclipse was not without some controversy – like the Mom who asked why in heaven’s name would they schedule the eclipse on a Monday in August, just when school was starting up? There were also reports that some folks became quite concerned during the eclipse, wondering when the sunlight would return - then it dawned on them.
We also talked about Joshua & the “Day the Sun Stood Still” as noted in Joshua 10:5-14. We debated whether this was a literal event or perhaps a legend shared to emphasize that the God of Israel had complete & total dominion over the trifling/trivial sun & moon gods that the Amorites worshipped. Interestingly, the text marvels not at the miraculous event but rather that God had answered Joshua’s prayers.
Finally, we discussed the darkening of the skies from noon to 3:00 p.m. when our Lord was crucified on that grim Friday. One wonders how the crowd in Jerusalem would act as the skies darkened – not for 3 minutes but for 3 hours? Would we link this supernatural cosmic event with the death of the man who claimed to be the Son of God or would we be quick to try to rationalize it away?
When unnatural darkness encompasses our world, it is definitely unsettling for us all. Today, I would submit our culture is wrestling with darkness in a spiritual sense. It seems like there is a new outrage each day; and if you aren’t as outraged as I am, well, then, that is outrageous. If our rage/fury meter could range from 1 to 10, then it seems like we are in a bitter race to see who can get to 11 first, only to realize we’ve become stuck on 11 all the time.
I would contend this is precisely when we people of God need to step up & be the calming voice injecting our Christ-like light into our tension-filled social circles. Maybe we could be extra attentive to the voices around us, slowing down to offer 100% of our attention & to lend an encouraging ear. Perhaps we could speak as the light of Christ, making sure we avoid words like “never” & “always” and avoid typing (or speaking) with the [CAPS LOCK] key on. Or, even better, we could seek out every opportunity to offer our hand to someone badly in need of a simple act of reassuring Christ-like love.
A musical-esque summary might look like this: Some of our friends/family may be experiencing a total eclipse of the heartthis day. Like Christ, you could demonstrate that you are their sunshine & remind them that even in the darkest of times here comes the sun. You could be just the sunshine on their shoulder that they need to help them to keep walking on sunshine. (With apologies to Elton John, we’ll now mercifully let the sun go down on this Insight – Editor.)
Darren LippeDarren Lippe helps facilitate Journey 101 “Loving God” classes, guides a 7th-grade Sunday school class, is a member of a small group and a men’s group, and serves on the curriculum team.
In preparation for the eclipse last Monday, our small group spent last Sunday evening discussing several lunar/cosmic events recorded in the Bible. To add to the festivities, my wife, Doris, baked some homemade Moon Pies to serve with our Milky Way candy bars. (Sigh. It’s going to be one of thosedays – Editor.) I deliberately didn’t mention the packs of Orbit & Eclipse gum we had on hand, because I thought that would be overdoing it – DL. (Good grief. I had some aspirin in my desk drawer yesterday, where are they? – Editor.)
Of course, the eclipse was not without some controversy – like the Mom who asked why in heaven’s name would they schedule the eclipse on a Monday in August, just when school was starting up? There were also reports that some folks became quite concerned during the eclipse, wondering when the sunlight would return - then it dawned on them.
We opened with the Creation story & marveled at the succinct description of the creation of the sun & moon - no dramatic drawn-out legend, just a day in the life of God.
We then chatted about Moses & the 9th plague where darkness covered Egypt as recorded in Exodus 10:21-29. It was so dark people couldn’t see each other or move about; yet, the Israelite slaves were still in the light. We discussed the possible explanations for this darkness (sandstorm, fog, Godly miracle).We also talked about Joshua & the “Day the Sun Stood Still” as noted in Joshua 10:5-14. We debated whether this was a literal event or perhaps a legend shared to emphasize that the God of Israel had complete & total dominion over the trifling/trivial sun & moon gods that the Amorites worshipped. Interestingly, the text marvels not at the miraculous event but rather that God had answered Joshua’s prayers.
Finally, we discussed the darkening of the skies from noon to 3:00 p.m. when our Lord was crucified on that grim Friday. One wonders how the crowd in Jerusalem would act as the skies darkened – not for 3 minutes but for 3 hours? Would we link this supernatural cosmic event with the death of the man who claimed to be the Son of God or would we be quick to try to rationalize it away?
When unnatural darkness encompasses our world, it is definitely unsettling for us all. Today, I would submit our culture is wrestling with darkness in a spiritual sense. It seems like there is a new outrage each day; and if you aren’t as outraged as I am, well, then, that is outrageous. If our rage/fury meter could range from 1 to 10, then it seems like we are in a bitter race to see who can get to 11 first, only to realize we’ve become stuck on 11 all the time.
I would contend this is precisely when we people of God need to step up & be the calming voice injecting our Christ-like light into our tension-filled social circles. Maybe we could be extra attentive to the voices around us, slowing down to offer 100% of our attention & to lend an encouraging ear. Perhaps we could speak as the light of Christ, making sure we avoid words like “never” & “always” and avoid typing (or speaking) with the [CAPS LOCK] key on. Or, even better, we could seek out every opportunity to offer our hand to someone badly in need of a simple act of reassuring Christ-like love.
A musical-esque summary might look like this: Some of our friends/family may be experiencing a total eclipse of the heartthis day. Like Christ, you could demonstrate that you are their sunshine & remind them that even in the darkest of times here comes the sun. You could be just the sunshine on their shoulder that they need to help them to keep walking on sunshine. (With apologies to Elton John, we’ll now mercifully let the sun go down on this Insight – Editor.)
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God trusted Peter (and us) to speak of his wonderful acts
God trusted Peter (and us) to speak of his wonderful acts
Saturday, 26 August 2017
1 Peter 2:9-10
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Peter carried a profound sense of responsibility. Jesus had called him, not just to relax and bask in God’s love, but to “fish for people.” That was the calling for all the Christian converts to whom he wrote, too. “Peter uses OT words and images to apply Israel’s special identity to his Gentile audience. Israel is God’s chosen race (Isaiah 43:20), royal priesthood (Exodus 19:6), holy nation (Exodus 19:6) and a people who are God’s own possession (Exodus 19:5). The same can now be said of these believers in Jesus.” * Peter knew that God calls all Christ followers, like Israel, to be a blessing to all the people of the world. Ø As one of God’s people (“a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession”—wow!), how do you or will you live so that others can know God’s love and mercy? How can the faith community to which you belong show God’s grace and light in ways you can’t do alone? How can a sense that together we are God’s hands in the world help you more clearly and deeply understand the meaning of “church”?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you changed Peter from an ordinary fisherman to a man from whose life and writings we learn over 2000 years after his death. Empower me to live in ways that will have eternal value as a member of your “royal priesthood” on earth. Amen.
* Jeanine K. Brown, study note on 1 Peter 2:9-10 in The CEB Study Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2013, p. 464-465 NT.
Family Activity: Jesus was an incredible encourager. He saw the best in everyone no matter what they had said or done, as he did in Peter. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17. As a family, think of the people who see the highest potential in each of you. Create a list of those encouraging people in your lives. Talk about who cheers you on, builds you up and offers you hope. What characteristics do they have that identify them as encouragers? Find a way to thank those people this week. You might bake a treat, create a card or simply thank them for who they are in your lives. Ask yourselves how you can be more encouraging to others. How can you lead others by living out this quality of Christ? How can you see the best in people? Pray together, thanking God for seeing the best in you and in everyone. Ask God to help you grow as an encouraging person.
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Prayer Requests – cor.org/prayer Prayers for Peace & Comfort for:
• Ruth Jones and family on the death of her sister Elsie Maxine Majewski, 8/12
• Tiffany Anderson and family on the death of her husband Stanley L. Anderson, 8/11
• Laura Gray and family on the death of her mother Carole Gray, 8/11
• Sheila Gill and family on the death of her father David Cole, 8/11
• Timberly Apple and family on the death of her husband Craig Apple, 8/10
• Tony Collichio and family on the death of his nephew Mike Marino, 8/5
• Katie Howe and family on the death of her father Daniel Rollheiser, 8/4
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You might also like
Jesus: God’s final word
The apostle Paul’s thoughtful quoting of the Bible
Jesus lived the Bible’s eternal principles
“Open my eyes”
What the Bible is meant to do
Or download this week's printable GPS.
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©2017 Church of the Resurrection. All Rights Reserved.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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You might also like
Jesus: God’s final word
The apostle Paul’s thoughtful quoting of the Bible
Jesus lived the Bible’s eternal principles
“Open my eyes”
What the Bible is meant to do
Or download this week's printable GPS.
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©2017 Church of the Resurrection. All Rights Reserved.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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