Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 120th. Edition.
Dear Ambassadors of the Risen King,
Today’s passage (1 Peter 2:4-5) introduces a concept that we also find in the writings of Paul (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20), believers as God’s temple.
Main Living Stone (v. 4). We will develop this concept further in tomorrow’s passage, but today, the concept of a building begins. It is different from the usual building because the building material is living. That Christ the Living Stone was rejected by men is tragic for them, because he remains precious. This is important to appreciate. The value of Christ and his work on the cross is not dependent on the approval or acceptance of men. Rejecting Christ does not diminish his value. But it does put the unbeliever in the unenviable position of being outside the commonwealth of God. Christ’s value as Saviour is derived from God, and God alone.
Multiple Living Stones (v. 5). In Christ, believers have the Privilege of being living stones, also. We are all building blocks of a spiritual house. Here, Peter merges the building and the people who serve in it into one. We are not only being built up into a house (temple), but we are a holy Priesthood, serving at the same time of which we are part of the building blocks.
This concept may be a bit confusing for some, but God’s plan is that we would not be static. Unlike ordinary building stones, we are living, and if living, then active. The temple does not need a separate priesthood from the stones that make up the temple! This points clearly to a Purpose, that we would offer up “spiritual sacrifices.” The sacrifices that were offered in the temple in Jerusalem were material and often, the worshipper who made the offering was only going through the motions. God wants his worshippers to worship him “in spirit and in truth” (John 5:24). Communing with God in the spirit and observing his commands, not to fulfill an obligation or seek gain, but because we desire it deep down inside.
Do you have a desire for God or is worship all a matter of obligation for you? It is time for a reality check.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.