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
As the Lutheran Study Bible says, “First Peter…explores issues of community, mission and suffering—issues these young faith communities may have been facing.” “The reading reminds us that even Jesus faced temptation, rejection and suffering; it should be no surprise, then, if believers and the community today also suffer because of our faith. We still need encouragement in Christ's mission. I am thinking especially about the growing diversity that calls us to new mission exploration. In the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the immigrant population has grown by thirteen percent in ten years. This mission at the very least may involve a big challenge and maybe some struggle. We too need to hear and be reminded that Christ "was revealed at the end of the ages for (our) sake." We engage in God's mission with the sure and certain affirmation that Christ came "for our sake," that we might follow in his steps.
Prayer
Help us, O God, to follow you into our neighborhoods to listen and care for all those whom you love. In Jesus' name. Amen.