1 Peter 1:17-23 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 1:17-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. Verse 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, Verse 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. Verse 20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Verse 21Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Verse 22Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. Verse 23You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.
Devotion
Two of the greatest 16th century artists are commemorated on this day – Albrecht Durer and Michelangelo. Both artists portrayed the centrality of the New Testament message of Jesus Christ, and their gifts continue to live as their works are viewed by countless generations of people.
The words of 1 Peter likewise are artistic expressions of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter’s words are a call to holy living as God is holy. Those who live as exiles from their homeland are called to remember their roots and the one who is at the heart of their identity – Jesus Christ. He is the one who has ransomed or rescued them not with that which is perishable, but with his own life blood.
The perfect image that Peter holds before us in these words is to see Christ as "a lamb without defect or blemish." This is the one whom God raised "from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God."
Prayer
The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness never fails; I nothing lack if I am his and he is mine forever. And so, through all the length of days, your goodness never fails. Good Shepherd, may I sing your praise forever. (v.1 & v.6, LBW #456, "The King of Love My Shepherd Is") Amen.