June 19. I Peter 2:1-12
GRACE LESSONS: I love the way Peter guards God’s flock. It’s clear he cares for them. He uses Old Testament scriptures liberally in this section of his letter, reminding them of how precious they are to God. A chosen people. A royal priesthood. Even when he warns them, he does so in a gracious spirit. “Dear friends,” he says in verse 11, “I warn you as temporary residents and foreigners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” He pleads with them, for the sake of their souls. He’s a tender under-shepherd wanting the best for his sheep!
OUR PASSAGE: Peter uses a lot of building imagery in today’s passage. He’s literally watching God build Christianity before his eyes. He stresses to his readers the honor of being part of this new structure, Christianity, and shows from Old Testament scripture that the foundation and cornerstone must be Jesus Christ. Let’s build this new faith correctly, says Peter. He also reminds them that they are to evangelize and grow the church more in verse 9b: “As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” We’re watching the structure of our Christian faith being formed in this letter. Amazing.
My verses: I Peter 2:2-3: “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.”
My response: Oh Lord, make me always hungry for MORE knowledge of You! Help me to “cry out for nourishment” wanting to understand fully the riches of my salvation. And thank you for the amazing kindness You show to all who seek You.
