Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 119th. Edition.
Dear Chosen Ones,
Today’s passage (1 Peter 2:1-3) is the beginning of a long exhortation to holy living. Having established that we are God’s special elect, a theme that we will see throughout this letter, Peter turns his attention to the expectation of such a calling.
Cast away (v. 1) all negative attitudes and actions. The sinful nature in us continues to push for expression. Among Christians, one way it does that is through strife. It is easy to speak ill of others because if you look hard enough, you will see faults. But such judgment and malicious talk exposes, not the other persons’ faults, which may be obvious to everyone, anyway, our own evil intentions. Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, and envy are not compliments. When you speak ill of another, that is what it says about you!
Crave (v. 2) the “pure milk of the word.” It is almost as if Peter is suggesting that burying oneself in the word is a cure for evil intentions. The word is likened to milk. A newborn suckles with such enthusiasm that it needs not to be stated, that the baby’s focus is all on the milk. If we dig into God’s word, our focus will shift to the profitable things it proposes. The result will be growth and overshadowing of evil intentions. So if you find yourself speaking ill of others, it is time to bury yourself in the word of God.
Consider (v. 3) God’s grace. If the Lord were to count our sins against us, none of us would pass the test. But he loved us, despite all our faults and failures. This should spur in us a greater desire for God and a more gracious approach to those around us. Don’t waste away with bitterness. Be gracious and forgive, as our Lord did and still does. You will discover the joy of freedom from strife.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.