LOOKING BACK TO MOVE FORWARD
In our reading today, Peter will use several Old Testament passages to give us insight into our new relationship with God and His new Kingdom. Many times throughout the writing of the New Testament, authors will use passages from the Old Testament to provide clarity. All of creation led up to the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In light of Jesus, we see much more clearly what God was doing throughout the pages of the Old Testament. Peter says,
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.
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)
Peter is alluding to several Old Testament passages specifically. The first is Exodus 19:6. This is after God delivered the Israelites from the hand of the Egyptians. While at Mt. Sinai, where Moses would receive the Ten Commandments, God would bring a word of encouragement. They would still face adversity and challenge, yet God wanted to affirm his love and affirmation for them!
Exodus 19:6 (NLT)
6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
The second passage that Peter is referencing is from the book of Isaiah. God is speaking to the Israelites who are once again facing adversity and suffering under the hands of the Babylonians. God again speaks hope through his love and care!
20 The wild animals in the fields will thank me,
Isaiah 43:20–21 (NLT)
the jackals and owls, too,
for giving them water in the desert.
Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland
so my chosen people can be refreshed.
21 I have made Israel for myself,
and they will someday honor me before the whole world.
Remember, Peter was writing to a church that was suffering, facing persecution and adversity, and God yet again provided love and affirmation for His people as they followed after Him. Maybe today it’s been difficult to see that God, the Creator of the universe, would care for you.
God cares about you. God loves you. God is a God of rescue.
God’s promise is not to give us a life without trouble or trial, but to declare an unshakeable love for HIS people, even in the midst of trial or trouble! One of my favorite portions of Scripture is Paul writing to the Romans:
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38–39 (NLT)
In your reading today, what does God want to speak to you? How does God want to pour out fresh love and affirmation for you today?
As a reminder, here are our steps for S.O.A.P.:
- Find a quiet place and read the SCRIPTURE of the day. Read it again. Read it slowly. Read it outloud!
- What OBSERVATIONS did you make? What does this passage teach you about God or yourself? Are there any calls to action? Do you have any questions?
- How will you make APPLICATION of this scripture and live your life differently today in light of what you just read? Be specific!
- Let it marinate. Take some time for PRAYER – thank God, confess any shortcomings, and ask to be empowered. Sit for a few moments and see if God has anything else for you.
Here is our passage for the day:
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.
1 Peter 2:9–10 (NLT)
10 “Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God’s people.
Once you received no mercy;
now you have received God’s mercy.”
We will see you next week!