1Peter 2:4-9
verse 5: you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
These words have new meaning for me now. I have a different understanding of the word “sacrifice” in this context. This is not a formal, prepared, ceremonious sacrifice of an animal or money. This sacrifice is a giving up of part of myself, in order to please God. It is a sacrifice of my own time, wishes and feelings in order to serve another. It is a giving back in order to heal a relationship, or a giving forward in order to lift someone up. Sacrifices are not always comfortable and happy events- Christ on the cross being the obvious, ultimate example. I need to look for ways to sacrifice, because it is not always the first choice I make.
Holy One, please open my eyes to opportunities to sacrifice my own needs for the needs of others. I do not always see these chances as they pass by. Thank you, Lord for your ultimate sacrifice which allows me the hope of eternal life with you. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
1 Peter :2-9But But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. That you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Sometimes I get conceited and puffed up because of my accomplishments. I am working at making my relationship with Christ to be far more important than any of my successes, wealth or knowledge. God has chosen me as his very own and he wanted me to represent him with all of my being. I have to remember that my value comes from being one of God’s children. Not for anything I have or will ever achieve. I have worth because of what …
1 Peter 2:8 - “‘A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.’
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.“
Speaking about unbelievers, Peter notes they were “destined” to disobey the word. Does that mean they could not, under any circumstances, be saved? This does not make sense to me. If there are those predestined to heaven and others predestined to damnation what is the point of sharing the Good News? Why would a God who wants all to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth do this? I sense that they are destined because their continued disbelief separates them from the God who would save them.…
20200930 Wed, Daily Devotion - 1 Peter 2:7
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,”
Jesus was the key, heart, and core of a new life. But he was rejected by the people. However, he became the very head of the corner for the Kingdom of God. Faithful Christians might be rejected by many people, even many other Christians. But this is the way Jesus went through and breakthrough for the mission given to Him. Sometimes, when we try to walk more faithfully and sacrificially we encounter more rejection, opposition, or turn-aways from people. Then, I must remember this verse because this is the way Jesus walked through before us and for us.