News

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” - 1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

Because Christ suffered for you. Let those words sink in for a moment.

And He suffered unjustly. It wasn’t fair. It’s not fair to be treated wrongly, especially when the person has done no wrong. 

Jesus suffered for us. The God of the universe, coming to love, to seek and save the lost was hurt, insulted, and killed. He suffered for doing good.

And I’m supposed to follow in his steps? That’s a hard calling. It doesn’t come naturally to a sinful human who is concerned with fairness. 

So, how can we release our sense of justice and respond to others in love? Even when they hurt us? Through the Holy Spirit who guides us and helps us. 

Take a moment right now and think of someone who has hurt you. Choose to pray blessings and peace over this person even though it’s hard. Ask the Holy Spirit for strength to respond in love. 

  By Ellen Rosenberger

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” - 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV) 

Ideas for going deeper:

• Think about specific ways that Jesus is precious to you. Journaling can aid in this. 

• Declare His praises today (1 Peter 2:9): turn up the worship music in your home, offer thanks out loud, share with someone how Jesus has called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light.

• Ask your family or friends how they would describe Jesus (perhaps at a meal or in the car). 

• Make a poster or write on an index card some words that describe who you are according to 1 Peter 2:9-10.

• Practice silence for a time (even if only for five minutes). Ask the Holy Spirit to help you silence your lips and open your heart up to embracing your precious Savior.

• Meditate on this passage and/or commit it to memory. 

  By Ellen Rosenberger

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." - 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)

His precious blood was spilled for me and for you. He was perfect and blameless. He chose to pursue us in our sin and bring us out of a life without hope. What a Savior! 

Peter goes on to say in verse 23 “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” 

There’s that word again: imperishable.

It’s the precious blood of Jesus that is imperishable. It’s God’s living word. It’s who He is and what He does. 

There was a time when my faith and hope were based on Christ’s work in theory. But, in practice, my hope was shakily resting on the perishable. Namely, my good works and my self-righteousness. But those strivings were powerless to give me new birth in Christ. 

I love these lines in the song In Christ Alone: “What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My comforter, my all in all. Here in the love of Christ I stand.” 

True hope is found in His love, His sacrifice, His grace, and not ever our own efforts or our perceived earned favor with God.

We can strive all we want, but then where’s our hope? Let’s set our hope on the His grace fully today (1 Peter 1:13). 

He has grace for our sin, grace for our brokenness, and grace for our self-righteousness. And His kindness leads us to repentance.

Spiritual Practice: Confession. Before bed tonight or first thing in the morning, take a posture of repentance. This could be kneeling or palms open. Confess to the Holy Spirit that you have sinned and are in need of God’s grace. Confess your disobedience or even your self-righteousness. Receive His forgiveness and grace. Ask Him to set you apart for holy living in humble response to Jesus’ sacrifice, not in pursuit of your own righteousness. Take it a step further and listen to this song: “O Come to The Altar” by Elevation Worship.

By: Ellen Rosenberger

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” - 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)

Wow, what a power-packed three verses. If we as believers ever need a jumpstart to our joy and gratitude to our Savior, we can find it here!

What we also find is a crystal clear statement of where our hope lies. 

It does not lie within us. 

It is not found in the world or in other people. 

Our hope is living and it is given to us by our good Heavenly Father through the sacrificial, mercy-extending love of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Jesus is our hope for today and for eternity. And that hope is secure.

How will you respond to His great mercy which has secured our living hope? 

Take some time today to reflect on how the Lord has had mercy over your soul and life. Then turn those into praises. Ask Jesus to fill your heart with joy and hope. 

Further spiritual practice: 

This week, plan to take a walk outside, even if it’s for five minutes. Take in some deep breaths and think about the gift of God’s salvation to you, one you could not earn. Praise Him for his great mercy, boundless grace, and living hope. 

By Ellen Rosenberger