1 Peter 2:2-10 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 2:2-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 2Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation- Verse 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Verse 4Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and Verse 5like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Verse 6For it stands in scripture: "See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." Verse 7To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner," Verse 8and "A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. Verse 9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Verse 10Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Devotion
This letter is written to “the exiles of the dispersion” in Asia minor, mostly Gentiles whose newfound life as Jesus followers would set them apart from the ways of the dominant culture. They could be targets of discrimination, harassment, and persecution. The temptation to turn away from Christ would be strong. In the face of these trials and temptations, the community of believers are encouraged to remember their new identity in Christ … you are chosen, made holy, God’s own people … and to tend and nourish it … long for spiritual milk, come to the living stone, let yourselves be built. They can expect to see non-believers stumble and fall over the rock that, to them, is a precious cornerstone and firm foundation. The message is as relevant to us today as it was back then. So much confusion about truth, morality, and how best to love in an unfriendly culture. Non-believers are not the only ones who stumble.
Prayer
Christ my rock and cornerstone, I have tasted your goodness. Make me long for the spiritual milk that will help me and my community of faith continue to grow into a spiritual house that honors your name and shines your marvelous light. Amen.