Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 123rd. Edition.
Dear Sojourners and Pilgrims,
Today’s passage (1 Peter 2:11-12) is a preamble to the next, urging us to conduct ourselves here on earth in full awareness of our status. That passage will deal with our relationship to temporal authority but first, the rationale behind it.
Perspective (v. 11). We are to perceive ourselves as Aliens. By that, it does not mean creatures from outer space, but it does mean we are “creatures of outer space.” In the words of the Apostle Paul, “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). In the words of the song popularised by Jim Reeves in an era gone by, This world is not my home, I’m just passing through. If we get more than our fair share of suffering, it good to remind ourselves that we do not belong here. Instead, our lives should be characterized by Abstinence from sinful desires that battle for the soul. A true patriot who is forced by circumstances to live in a foreign land never loses hope of going home. Such a person will be careful to avoid assimilation into a foreign culture.
The culture of the world is sin, described by John as the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). Don’t sell your soul to this foreign land, abstain.
Purpose (v. 12). We are urged to conduct ourselves honorably among the Gentiles. Gentiles here means unbelievers. The church is a blend of Jewish and Gentile believers that is now the new people of God (2:9). Honorable conduct is urged in the face of malignant, deriding talk against us. We must never stoop to the base unfairness of our detractors but rather follow the example of our Lord Jesus who, as we shall see later in this chapter, “when he was reviled, did not revile in return” (2:23). The result of them finding no fault in us, despite constant accusations, is that they will Glorify God “on the day of visitation.” It is not clear when this day of visitation is.
There are two possibilities: one, that God will intervene to vindicate his children who are falsely accused, as a result of which vindication even the accusers will acknowledge God. This echoes the words of Jesus, that men “may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
The second possibility is that this refers to the end times when God will judge the world. Those who rejected Christ and even spoke evil of his saints will finally acknowledge him, albeit not in the best of circumstances. The famous words of the Apostle Paul come to mind, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11).
Whatever the case, our purpose in life is to bring glory to him. Don’t be sidetracked. As yourself again and again, as you embark on something new, Will this bring glory to God or shame?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.