13 March • Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Lent
1 Peter 1:17—2:3
17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
2:1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Meditation
It began well for those scattered Christians when they returned to their homeland after Pentecost. But circumstances changed rather quickly when the notorious Roman emperor Nero falsely accused and persecuted them in the year AD 64, after a great fire swept through Rome, destroying much of the city.
Apostle Peter encouraged these believers to move on in their faith in the midst of such brutal and adverse circumstances. Peter, with his pastoral heart, invited them to focus on the Father. “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges.” (vv.17-19). Peter also turns their attention on God’s word preached to them. So great a Salvation, we can’t afford to lose it.
The Word of God plays a vital role in our spiritual lives during difficult times. Peter reminds us of the deep work of God in different ways.
The Transforming work of God’s word in Human lives. “Since you have been born again... through the living and abiding word of God” (v.24). We are born again not by human initiative. The power of His word through the Holy Spirit transforms human lives. If we internalise God’s word in us, His Word will take deep root, help us grow and live for Him even in hard grounds. God’s word exhorts us to bear fruits by loving one another. Our identity as a community of God’s Holy people is preserved by the abiding Word.
The Unchanging nature of His word in changing circumstances is “the living and abiding word of God” (v.23b). We live in a world that constantly change. People often quote this “change” as an excuse for their spiritual setbacks. Friends, God’s precepts and His Principles never change. His word is incorruptible, imperishable, uncompromising and also inspirational. The Word of God neither wither nor fade away; it is still fresh. God still speaks through His living word to the suffering soul. We need to treasure the scripture and its values.
The Enduring power of God’s Word in Hostile environment. “but the word of the Lord remains forever.” (v.25). In the history of mankind, God’s word survived through many centuries, in the midst of changing philosophies, isms and schisms. From Roman Emperor Diocletian to American Agnostic Robert Ingersoll and many others attempted in vain to destroy or speak against the scriptures. Partial or full Bible is translated in over 3,000 languages. His word endures forever. His word is trustworthy and proven. We are privileged to have access to the word of God.
So, let us long for the Word of God like new born infants longing for the milk. We will certainly be nourished spiritually in times of weak moments (1 Peter 2:1-3).
Prayer
Dear God and our Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your precious word. We need Your word every day. We ask that Your Spirit may prompt us to walk in the Light of Your Word, one day at a time and move on.
Action
Let us maintain the Spiritual discipline of meditating God’s Word.
Let us see ourselves in the light of His word and get rid of all evil that hinder our Spiritual Growth.
In times of trials, let us stand on the promises of God and obey His commands.
Rev Ranganathan Prabhu
Pastor
The Methodist Church in Singapore
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