Wednesday: An Enduring Legacy
Read 1 Peter 1:6-7. What is Peter saying?
Peter is writing to people who were battling through difficulties and often felt very alone. He was writing “to God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1, NIV). This is the area we know today as western Turkey. A few verses later, Peter says that he knows that they are experiencing “grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6-7).
What does Peter mean by saying that they are “exiles” and “scattered”? How might that add to their trials?
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
Being a Christian during those times was a new thing; believers were small in number and in various places where they were a decided minority who were often misunderstood at best, persecuted at worst. Peter assures them, however, that these trials are not random or chaotic (, 1 Peter 1:7). Genuine faith is the goal of those who persevere through “all kinds of trials.”
Read 1 Peter 1:6-9. What ultimate assurance does Peter seek to give these people amid their trials? What does this hope mean for us, too?
Whatever their trials, whatever they suffer, how can it be compared to the eternity that awaits them when Christ returns? Peter’s words to them are God’s words to us, regardless of whatever we are facing. However difficult or painful our trials, we must never lose sight of the ultimate end, eternal life in a new heaven and new earth, without pain, suffering, or death. With such a promise before us, a promise guaranteed us through the death of Jesus, how important that we not lose faith, but instead, amid our trials, ask the Lord to purge us of everything and anything that stands in the way of our faith.
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In my opinion, what ties up to our lesson today is the notion that we need to stay dressed for the battle- since life is a battle.
A Roman soldier never took off three essentials- his belt, his breastplate, or his shoes even in times of rest.
Our three essentials are truth, righteousness and peace.
„Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.“ Ephesians6: 10-18
And Paul is admonishing us to take up the whole armor of God, not just part of it when the sailing is smooth, because high wind and Heavy weather can come unexpectedly, (for those who go sailing know that quite well), that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
And what do we do as we stand? We pray, knowing that Jesus is the true source of any power we have to overcome life‘s trials.
The loneliness of belief is something that is incredibly difficult. Some time ago I read "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer". Oppenheimer was the developer of the atomic bomb and never really wanted the technology to be used for military purposes. When the momentum gathered to develop the much more powerful fusion bomb (often called the hydrogen bomb), Oppenheimer was outspoken in his opposition. So much so that he was essentially persecuted for his position. He was vilified and called "Un-American" by government agencies. and in the press. Colleagues he had worked with testified against him in inquiries. In spite of that, he stood, almost alone, in his stand against the fusion bomb and in particular its development for military use. He stood firm on his principle of ethics.
Being Christian is often an unpopular choice these days. The recent (2021) census of Australia has revealed the diminishing number of those who cite Christianity as their religion and at the same time the rapid rise of those who state that they have no religion. You don't have to be a senior statistician to recognise that we are fast becoming a secular society. Religious belief has becoming a very lonely position. We face the criticism of being irrelevant, an anachronism, and in some cases a danger to society. It often appears that we are alone.
I have some understanding of the frustration of Elijah when he cried out to God:
Elijah felt very much on his own.
But God had a surprise for him:
We Christians may be thin on the ground, and if there is one big picture lesson we can get from this study, it is that we should make the effort to encourage one another. That is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in and through us.
How can a precious stone get its real value? Nothing but the sacrifice of Jesus has been perfect in this planet. For something to become durable and valuable here some energy must be added to it. Thus it is with our faith. Corners have to be polish and stains have to be removed until the light can be reflected as a delight for the eye! Jesus is the goldsmith of our faith. Let Him work on us so we can shine His light and make a difference where we be!
On our arrival in Berrien Springs, Mi. in the late 80's, we had a taste of living close to fellow believers, a new experience for our family. All days were good, but on Friday, Apple Valley, our supermarket, did brisk Sabbath preparation sales. Before the coming of McDonalds, nearly everything was closed on Sabbath. The neighbors, except a few went to one of the growing number of SDA church in that village, town or nearby city.
Some have said those times were a taste of heaven...well, it did remind one of unity of belief and behavior. There seemed to be a feeling in the air. Imagine the ease of visiting , providing transportation for, and generally being almost walking distance from the home of one's church family.
Knowing the difference between being separated from such a place and enjoying it's perks, I can imagine the time when the
early church was scattered. It had to be a heart breaking situation. But sometimes such experiences help us to look forward to the time when we will not be separated. A time when we will live in the land where isolation is not an issue.
Study asks:
What does Peter mean by saying that they are “exiles” and “scattered”? How might that add to their trials ?
1 Peter 1:1 (CSB)
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen.
In context to his listens, in and around Asia Minor, resulting from various deportations from Israel, These new Christians, probably blessed in Holy Spirit at Pentecost or through those who did, as they traveled to celebrate Passover and First Fruits festivals in Jerusalem.
So, not alone were they outcasts in Asia Minor but also outcasts from their Jewish community there, who were not blessed in the new covenant, through Christ.
Read Revelation chapters ... Letters to churchs there !
We too, consider ourselves outcast from the systems of men, but do respect the authority given to them by God, but may pay a price if we obey God rather than man.
Keep on trucking (meme)
Shalom
🙏
Amen, and "Yes" Jesus' death for us! But more so is that even now He lives for us! Jesus is alive and well and via His Holy Spirit is there to strengthen us to live for Him and witness for Him till death takes us and until He shows up to take over this world as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
I should have added to my post right after it says, "Till death takes..." I should have said, "... or until and if we are still alive when He shows up for us to get caught up together with the resurrected saved etc."