PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Dec
16

Suffering, Scattered and Blessed

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture

1 Peter 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2who 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: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Observation

Peter is writing to Christian Jews and Gentiles who are scattered throughout Roman provinces in Asia Minor. His opening words reassures these disciples that they are chosen according to God: His foreknowledge, through the work of the Spirit setting them apart in obedience to Jesus Cross-works.

The beauty of the Godhead; the relationship between the Father, Jesus and Spirit is recognized in the choosing foreknowledge of God! This truth builds a confidence when people are “exiled-scattered-suffering-reclaiming/rebuilding their identity.” Grace and Peace is spoken as blessing - in abundance over the elected and exiled.

As Christians, whether we are “more inclined” to believe that (1) God chooses people to be saved or (2) We have a choice in being saved, the work of the Godhead is evident in this passage and throughout the Scriptures.

Application

The praxis for me is the truth that God cares for the suffering and scattered. As a group of us volunteered at River of Life Mission to feed the homeless, my heart gets grieved, overwhelmed with emotion - for the children, families…people we fed. For various reasons they are scattered and suffering.

So I am called to pray and to love those who are suffering and scattered in my life, community... as Peter exhorts me to love throughout his letter.

Prayer

Dear Godhead! Thank you for opening my heart to grow in knowing, understanding, discerning…Peter’s letter to me this morning. Thank you for choosing me - being with me, my family, those I’m praying for… through the seasons of suffering, scattering. Thank you for Your Grace… and Peace filling my heart to know You!


Devotions for December 16

1 Peter 1,2,3,4,5

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