Exile
1 Peter: Finding Joy in the Journey Home
Life during the pandemic can feel like an endless and never ending period of time. Peter writes this letter to believers who are scattered and feeling the weight of trials. He gives them hope by showing them their promises, high calling and ultimate destination.
Many of us feel an intense isolation during this period of our life. Peter shows us how God calls unloved people into a beautiful diverse community called the church. We will only make it out of exile shoulder to shoulder and face to face.
Many people wrongfully assume the Bible supported the institution of slavery. Throughout the Bible God works as a liberator of those who are victims of oppression. God calls all of his people to live free and seek to free those who are oppressed. Nevertheless God calls his people to endure some injustice and await the end of all injustice.
The pandemic has put stress on a lot of marriages and relationships. What ideal are women and men called to during these confusing times? Peter shows us God’s call to treat each other with respect and honor as co-heirs of the grace of life. Our relationships ultimately point to a deeper mystery found in Christ.
This pandemic has been a time of unprecedented darkness. Peter also writes to Christians living under extreme pressure in some uncertain times. He calls believers to be light through their actions, attitudes and words that point to our ultimate hope.
With all the conflict and disasters it seems like the world is on the brink of collapse. Peter writes to people who feel like the “end of all things” is right around the corner. We can either throw caution to the wind or we can live in midst of a new community for a new world to come.
These difficult times makes us wonder what we have done to anger God. But Peter assures us that suffering isn’t a sign of God’s displeasure but God’s Fatherly care. Suffering can be a way for God to draw us closer to Christ and prepare us for the glory to come.
What does it mean to be truly strong? Our culture measures strength by independence, winning at all costs and confidence. But this style of leadership leads to abuse and burnout. Peter calls us to think of strength as humility and dependence upon the true King. Living in weakness results in spiritual health and ultimate glory.