Honor the Emperor?

 

1 Peter 2:13-17

This passage is a great reminder, perhaps even a convicting reminder.  While at the same time it is somehow so comforting. A reminder that as sojourners and exiles in this world, where we may never fit in, we still are loved, cared for and guided by the ultimate King, Jesus.  And as such we need not fall into worry (or worse) if our worldly side is not in power.

Because Jesus submitted to death even death on a cross for each of us, because he made the ultimate submission for us, we can trust in our risen King.  And with that trust, with that freedom, we can respect and honor all people including those in office; those in power. We can begin to see beyond political party and submit to worldly governments knowing that it will be so much better farther on.  

We can begin to see that all are created in the image of our loving God and knowing the love God has for us maybe just maybe that will humble our hearts, maybe just maybe we might begin to do good, to be generous, to love others as Christ loves us.  

May we all as believers move forward in gentle and kinds ways, and may we spread good in a hungry, thirsty and needy world. May our actions and conduct proclaim the name of King Jesus to the world.

Grace and Peace!

Living Stones

After Advent and Christmas, our church is moving back into the series on 1 Peter.  This weeks passage is 1 Peter 2:4-12.  This passage struck me as encouraging, and hopeful for those that might feel a little out of place in this crazy world.  This passage provided a humble sense of assurance.  

 

This big idea from this passage, the takeaway for me is:

 

Because of the complete and finished work of Christ, we; diamonds in the rough become acceptable – more than that – we become the precious stones of God.  We the broken, the ragamuffins, the exiles of this world have been chosen for this royal priesthood, we have been called out of the darkness and into the marvelous light that is Jesus.  And as such, we rough stones are being polished and shaped, by the astounding love, the staggering mercy and the amazing grace of God through Christ all by the power of the Holy Spirit! We are being prepared for an eternity of glorifying God and enjoying him forever.  And as exiles in this world and no matter what we encounter in this world (riots, politics, division, pandemics, injustice) we will experience this love and mercy and grace; we will experience the very presence of God every step of the way, and we will experience it in such a way that our hearts overflow with that marvelous light, with this good news and it will overflow into a world desperate for just a little good news.

 

Grace and Peace!