1 Peter 2:4-10

“Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house…” vss. 4-5a

A verse in Psalm 118, “the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” is quoted in each of the gospels as referring to Jesus. It was considered the perfect metaphor to describe what had happened to him in his death and resurrection.

Peter too refers to this theme as he invited the Jewish exiles living in Asia Minor to put their trust in the living stone, Jesus Christ, a man precious in God’s sight. But then he goes beyond the traditional image by expanding the metaphor to include all those who have come to believe. Peter said that they, like living stones, will be built into a spiritual house. 

This has become one of the most popular and meaningful ways of describing the Church of Jesus Christ. Each person, as a living stone, has been built into a holy temple. As the familiar hymn, Built On A Rock, puts it, “We are God’s house of living stones, built for his own habitation.” It is through us, and not through our fancy edifices, that God is present now in every nation under the sun. 

Peter went on to describe us as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” in order that we might proclaim the mighty acts of God. It’s a magnificent calling–and it belongs to us all!

Thought for the Day: Why do congregations build churches?

1 Peter 2:1-3

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” vss. 2-3

 Like the people that Peter was writing to, we live in a world that is awash with folks spouting malice, guile, insincerity, envy, and  slander. It’s what we see on news clips and videos every day, and it corrupts our spirits and threatens our serenity. Fortunately there is another option for us! There is another source of nutrition for the soul–Peter called it the pure, spiritual milk, the kind of nourishment we long for as infants.

And what is this pure, spiritual milk? It can hardly be anything other than a steady diet of the good news of forgiveness, love, hope, mercy, humility, gentleness, and patience that comes through the Holy Spirit and that is channeled through our brothers and sisters in Christ. Once we have tasted such a feast we will know that the Lord is good, and will daily grow into the remarkable persons God has created us to be.

As Peter reminds us, salvation is a process, and none of us have yet arrived at the fulness of what we will one day be. But when our diet is like mother’s milk we can be confident that our immunity to the ugly side of life will grow and keep us on a path of spiritual health and vigor until the end of our days.

Thought for the Day: Where have I found pure, spiritual milk?

Psalm 31:15-16

“Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.” vs. 16

It’s very likely that the psalmist, in the course of temple worship, had heard the Aaronic Benediction many times. It was the blessing that, according to the scriptures, had first been pronounced over the Israelites by Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”  

Those were memorable words, and we’ve heard them again and again as the pronouncement of the pastor at the end of worship. Many have reported that this benediction has had a powerful impact on them, that it’s the high point of the entire service. And even though there are many benedictions that have found their way into the liturgy, some with more contemporary images and phrases, there is an almost magical quality to the original. It touches our hearts in a powerful way. 

The phrase having to do with the Lord’s face shining on us seems to have particular power. There’s mystery in it, and yet in the mystery we get a clear sense of God’s love, and an image of a smiling Lord. No wonder the psalmist remembered it! It just feels so good to know that we are loved beyond measure by the Lord of the Universe!

Thought for the Day: What does the benediction mean to me?

Psalm 31:1-5

“Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”  vs. 5

Last words have significance. There are many occasions where the dying words of people have been particularly memorable. The gospel writer Luke believed that they were important and faithfully reported the last words of both Jesus and Stephen, words which seem to have been a quotation from Psalm 31, “Into your hand I commit my spirit.”

In both instances the quote is appropriate, the sort of thing that any one of us would be proud to say with our dying breath. They reflect a certain readiness for whatever is coming, and more than that, a deep trust in God. For both Jesus and Stephen they indicate a sense that the mission to which they have been called is over, that there’s nothing more for them to do except bow their head, and breathe their last.

Of course it’s not that easy to have wonderful last words. A lot happens as life slips away and we really don’t have that much control over exactly when the ending will be. We might settle back on our bed, look around at our loved ones, say the wonderful last words we’ve rehearsed, close our eyes, and then discover a while later that we’ve only fallen asleep. Our last words are yet to come–and they might not be so memorable as we had hoped.

And that’s okay! Last words are not nearly so important as the words of love we’ve said for a lifetime!

Thought for the Day: What words are likely to be my last ones?

Acts 7:55-60

“While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.” vss. 59-60

Stephen, one of the seven persons chosen by the apostles to help with the distribution of goods to the needy, was eloquent and full of the Spirit. When challenged by Jewish opponents he preached a long sermon, recounting the history of Israel and accusing the religious leaders of killing God’s Chosen Redeemer. Infuriated by his accusation they dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death. Before he died, in a scene reminiscent of Jesus’ crucifixion, Stephen prayed that his murderers be forgiven. One of those murderers was a young man named Saul who appears not to have been moved by Stephen’s words.. In fact he doubled down on his persecution of Christians and even traveled to Damascus to arrest and imprison them.

We see here another remarkable demonstration of the power of forgiveness. Jesus made it the centerpoint of his ministry, and it obviously continued to be the strength of this amazing movement that changed the world. In an age where revenge and retribution appear to be making a comeback even among those claiming to be Christians, it’s important to remember what true Christianity is about. It’s not easy to forgive–we’d much rather get even. But our heritage of forgiveness has been sanctified by the blood of the martyrs, and we profane their witness with our desire for revenge.

Thought for the Day: What is the hardest thing I’ve forgiven?

John 10:6-10

“I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” vs. 9

In the Roman catacombs the earliest artistic rendering of Jesus is as the Good Shepherd. And in the gospel of John this is how Jesus spoke of himself–it’s a familiar image. But John also reports that Jesus called himself the gate of the sheep, and this depiction can be helpful in understanding just who Jesus is for us in these crazy religious times.

To put it simply, out of all the alternatives to follow in our spiritual journeys, Jesus is the way to go out into the world and the way to come home. It is through him that our lives find the order that we crave–whenever we’re confused about our spiritual direction or purpose we look for Jesus. In the beginning, in those years when we’re just getting started with decision making and we need a model for living, Jesus is the guide we can trust. And when we enter the second half or maybe the third quarter of life, and wonder where our rest can be found, Jesus is waiting, and he will lead us home.

And how can we distinguish Jesus from all the blind guides? Well, he’ll be the One distinguished by a humble and gentle spirit, the One who is full of grace and forgiveness, and the One who exudes unconditional love. Once we spot him, he’s unforgettable–he really is the Good Shepherd.

Thought for the Day: What’s my favorite metaphor for Jesus?

John 10:1-5

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.” vss. 1-2

Shepherds were a staple of the Hebrew scriptures. Both David and Moses herded sheep before they began leading people, and the prophets graded the kings according to their shepherding skill. So it’s no surprise to discover that Jesus seems to have adopted the image of the shepherd to describe his ministry. 

Here he tells the people that not everyone who hangs around sheep can be trusted, and some are just thieves and bandits. The true shepherd of the sheep is the one who enters by the gate. We know what he means. Sheep are enormously gullible, and people are the same way. Just because a person acts like a leader and uses religious language doesn’t mean they can be trusted. In our age, now that televangelists have come on the scene, people in congregations have responded to their pleas for money with billions of dollars. They trust the preacher on the small screen rather than the one they see in the flesh every Sunday.

Of course it’s not easy to spot the charlatans. They’re clever and manipulative. And sometimes authentic shepherds can be rather ordinary. But true shepherds always point to the Good Shepherd and proclaim his message of love and compassion. And they will always have a humble and gentle spirit!

Thought for the Day: What are the marks of a good shepherd?

1 Peter 2:22-25

“For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” vs. 25

According to the gospel of John the resurrected Jesus had told Peter three times, in a touching scene of love and restoration by the Sea of Galilee, to feed and care for his sheep. And three times Peter responds with a passionate “yes.” And that’s what Peter did! As he writes he tells his readers that, while they were always part of the flock, they had strayed from the care of the shepherd. But now, having trusted in the Lord, they have returned to the guardian of their souls.

Peter knew that routine. Having denied Jesus three times on the night of his arrest, he was tracked down by Jesus after he’d gone back to fishing, and offered a second chance to follow him.

All of us seem to go astray from time to time. We get caught up in the ways of the world and are easy prey for the lusts, desires, and temptations that dance through our minds. Year after year they stalk us, disguising their true nature under cloaks of deception and false promises. But Jesus just doesn’t give up on us and moves beyond our betrayals and tracks us down wherever we’ve wandered.

And when he lovingly confronts us and draws us back to our mission it’s truly like a new beginning or a second birth. What a blessing it is to be reunited with the Good Shepherd and the Guardian of our souls!

Thought for the Day: Times when I’ve gone astray.

1 Peter 2:19-21

“If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval.” vs. 20

Slavery was firmly entrenched in the Roman Empire during the first and second centuries, and as the gospel was proclaimed many slaves were baptized and became part of faith community. Peter addresses them in this letter, advising them to accept the authority of their masters, even if they are harsh. He tells them to endure when beaten even if they have done nothing wrong.

It’s easy to see why verses such as these were  favorites of slave-holders in the years living up to the Civil War. However, Peter wasn’t commenting on slavery as an institution, and it’s doubtful that any follower of Jesus would have ever endorsed systemic slavery as a way of life. But he was addressing his brothers and sisters who were slaves, and told them that in enduring undeserved beatings they were following the example of Jesus in his journey to the cross.

Slavery still exists in our world, but it’s not likely that there are many slaves in our congregations. But there’s still plenty of abuse and unfair treatment! Unkind and cruel bosses abound. Some of us may have suffered at their hands. And, while such treatment is always unacceptable, it can be an occasion for a follower of Jesus to experience what it’s like to be a suffering servant, and even grow stronger in their faith.

Thought for the Day: How do I react to harsh and unfair treatment?

Psalm 23

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.” vs. 6

The psalmist believed that there were benefits in having the Lord as his shepherd. It wasn’t that he was any better than anyone else. He was just one of many sheep in the flock. But there was such a blessing in living without anxiety and worry. There was always enough of everything that he needed for daily living, and when darkness threatened and life got scary, he could always count on protection.

Many know what that sort of life is like. They too have a deep and profound trust in the Lord, and day by day they are conscious of God’s guidance and protection. There’s not even anything to fear from the shadow of death–nothing will be able to separate them from the love of God.

The best words to describe such an existence are peace and serenity, and what a blessing it is to live with such equanimity. Of course there are also moments of disquiet. In a broken world like the one we live in there are bound to be discordant times. But where trust is strong, we can be confident that the stress will pass and joy will be restored. 

The psalmist was right. Goodness and mercy do follow us all the days of our lives! That’s what it’s like when we know the Good Shepherd, and he knows us!

Thought for the Day: How do I know that the Lord is my shepherd?