June 1, 2020
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To the temporary residents dispersed[a] in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and set apart by the Spirit for obedience and for sprinkling with the blood of Jesus Christ. May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 1 Peter 1: 1-2
“To the temporary residents dispersed [a]…” The “[a]” means a footnote designated for this part of the sentence that it appears in. I point that out because I found the footnote intriguing. It says this: “1 Peter 1:1 Jewish people scattered throughout Gentile lands who spoke Greek and were influenced by Greek culture.” Remember, when the Bible speaks of the “Jewish people”, it is a reference to the chosen people of God. If we take the footnote and apply it to the verse, we see that Peter is addressing the letter to the Christians who were scattered throughout the area.
We too are “temporary residents”. As followers of Christ, we know that this world is not our final destination either and we, also, are scattered among people who are not followers of God.
Another temporary situation is the world pandemic that we find ourselves in. Our response is to be one of assurance that there is a plan and to look for ways to display Christ in the situation. As we continue on our journey, let us also remember that we too have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and set apart by the Spirit for obedience. We’re to be God’s people scattered throughout a land of non-believers. We are temporary residents who speak the language, and understand the city and our surroundings - in order to be a positive influence to it!
- Again, let’s start this month by praying for the opportunity to speak hope and calm assurance to someone today.
- And again, let’s pray for Doctors working towards a lasting COVID-19 vaccine.
- And, finally again, pray for the doctors and nurses treating those who have the virus.