October 2, 2021 – 1 Peter 1-5

All that we have, in any good sense, is only because of our God. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1:3). Actually, Peter continues his thought and reflects on the living hope we have, the imperishable inheritance that is ours, God's protections, etc. And that which we have was foretold by the prophets long before (1:10).

Once not a people, we are now the people of God, and we are to live as the people of God. Once receiving no mercy, now we have received mercy (2:10). And so, in our relations with the authorities, with those in control over us, with our spouses, between generations, and with the world, we are to live like God's people, even when we are suffering unjustly at the hands of others. When suffering, we can entrust our “souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (4:19). He is faithful.

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.

Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;

Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;

Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see. -- William D. Longstaff (1882)