December 22
1 Peter 2:4-5:11
As God's priests we are to bring people to God and God to the people. Notice the word "we" as God's priests. We read in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." Being God's priest is not an exclusive title held by a few in that office, but all who have come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. As His priests we must show forth His light. We must look different if others will see that light. If we are bogged down by the weight of this world, like the rest of the world, why should others pay attention to us? My first patient yesterday, a Jewish woman, I have spoken to a number of times about Jesus, and she has been receptive. In fact, God has given her multiple encounters with Christians to reveal His truth. I explained to her, yesterday, more directly, and told her that Jesus demands a decision, for what He offers is exclusive. I paraphrased a few passages, and then quoted John 14:6 (NKJV) directly, "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." I then repeated this verse and slowed down over the words "No one". My next patient, also secular Jewish spoke of her anxiety. To her I was less direct, but emphasized the beauty of "her" book, the Hebrew Scriptures, and discussed how reading this will show her the path to live life with "No fear", which God says many times. Soon after I had a Christian, who admitted that she has swayed from the word in the midst of current circumstances. For her I described the importance of daily time with Him. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22, "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
Some get intimidated. Others question their ability to reflect God's light to others. But God has not called us all to seminary. God has given us His word, the Bible, as His authority, and the world as our training ground. We read in 1 Peter 2:22-25, "He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls." Though Peter could have quoted directly from Isaiah 53, he chose instead to paraphrase it to better impact his intended Gentile believing audience. Peter reminds them in 2:11, "Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.", that they are God's priests, ambassadors, citizens of heaven, emissaries of HIs light, not residents of this world and the darkness which consumes it. As such, we read in 3:15, "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it." As His light-bearers, His priests, do you experience joy because your focus is on Jesus, our living hope?
After my first few conversations, yesterday, I fell far behind in my schedule, and had to catch up. But this is the point, yesterday I had many interactions and many opportunities to shine God's light onto others. It is never me, always Him. We read in Matthew 5:16, (NKJV), "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." It is not our own light, but His light. Our joy is because we are recipients of His light and we get to shine it forth for the world to see. You are my brothers and sisters, and my fellow light-bearers. Are you serving as His priests? If you read 1 Peter 2:9 slowly again, you are, indeed, His priest, if you have entered into a relationship with Him. This is not a special assignment, but a general call for all believers. We are living in very dark times. No one knows the time or the hour (Matthew 24:36), but we do know that we are on the brink. Are you allowing yourself to be distracted from your role as priest? For at such a time as this, we are called TODAY, to bring people to God and God to the people.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: