September 14, 2017


Our theme verse is 1 Peter 2:9. As with previous themes through the years, we also look into the larger context of the particular verse. Thus we look at 1 Peter 2:1-10.

We all have our destiny. The question is what. Our destiny will depend on whether we are for Christ or not for him, in effect making us against him. For those who choose the world and not the Word, “they stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.” (v.8b).

How then might we be destined for greatness? We choose Christ. We live Christ. We share Christ. He is the cornerstone, the foundation for our lives. “Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.” (v.6). We put our faith in Jesus. “Therefore, its value is for you who have faith” (v.7a). We meet Christ and know Christ. “Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God” (v.4).

As we meet Christ, we must strive to be like Christ, to live Christ. This means not being of the world. “Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, insincerity, envy, and all slander” (v.1). As we reject the ways of the world, we strive to grow in spirituality. “Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation” (v.2). And together with others, we become the people of God, His Church on earth. “Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (v.5).

Then as a spiritual house, as a community of believers, as the people of God, as the Church, as prophets, as holy warriors, we share Christ. We are those who “announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (v.9b). This is our work of evangelization and mission.

Who are we to be? What are we destined for? “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own” (v.9a). We are God’s priests, kings and prophets. Imagine that! “Once you were ‘no people’ but now you are God’s people” (v.10a). God’s very own people­chosen, royal and holy. Now that is being destined for greatness.

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