Chosen

Text: 1 Peter 1:1-2

Theme: Peter saw himself and God’s suffering people as “elect” for God’s purpose.

Key verses: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood…” (v. 1-2).

What God said to me: Son, study this book carefully. Don’t blow through it. Soak on every passage, as you have done with other books. The content of this letter may seem less difficult to comprehend than books like Hebrews or Romans. But you must look deeper than the surface message. You must consider the heart of my servant, Peter, and the dire circumstances that he and those to whom he wrote were in. Many of them were experiencing tribulation and persecution beyond anything you have known. They were facing the strong possibility of death. In fact, Peter was martyred just a few years after he wrote this letter. Do you understand the significance of this, Dwayne? I have spared your life and will continue using you for a few more years. However, don’t expect your future to be as easy as your past. The kingdom of darkness is spreading fast. Your country, the USA, will not always be free and safe to worship me. I will lead you into some countries to minister for me where persecution is already prevalent. Don’t fear this or shy away from my calling and leading. Trust me and follow me. I will lead you and go before you. Nonetheless, don’t be shocked or disillusioned when you and your family experience persecution unlike you’ve known before. It’s coming. I will give you grace to endure until the end. I am your God.

What I said to God: Holy Lord, I am broken by this word to me today. I would like to think I’m imagining these things, but most likely I am not. I’ve always suspected I wouldn’t escape unscathed from trouble and suffering. Please give me grace to walk with you. As the old song says that I have sung so many times: “Wherever You lead I will go.” May that be more than a sweet anecdote. May I mean and live those words with all my heart.