“To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood:”
Notice that Peter starts by describing who these people were, not what they did. Jesus chose them. He gave them a new identity. He caused them to be born again. Like you and me. They had obtained an imperishable inheritance that no one and nothing could destroy. Like ours. The power of God protected them. Like us. They rejoiced despite various trials. Peter knew that tested faith is more precious than gold. He also knew that it would result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus returns. Is that my story? Is it yours?
Peter was writing to people whom he had likely never seen, and they had never seen Jesus, yet they loved Him. Paul evangelized the believers in Galatia and Asia whom Peter is addressing. Others from Pontus and Cappadocia were present when Peter preached at Pentecost. Bithynia? We don’t know who evangelized them, but we know there was a church there.
Who Gets A New Identity?
So What?
We’re a lot like the people Peter was writing to. We’re scattered strangers and aliens, living in a world that is not our home. We live among a culture always trying to make us like itself. But God made us in His own image, causing us to be born again for something far better. Have we begun to blend in? If nothing sets our lives apart, we need to ask whether we’ve traded God’s calling for the world’s approval.
A prayer
Father, does my life reflect You, who made me in Your image? Or have I allowed the world to disciple me into its image? Please change me today!
