By Faith 4

1 Peter 2:9-12

The “kid’s table” holds such a negative stigma with young people. It was always so frustrating to be too young to eat at the same table with the adults during holiday meals. And it was a big deal to finally be promoted to the adult table once I was old enough.

The adult table was where all the interesting conversations were. The adult table didn’t have spills or an annoying cousin who ate like a pig. It was an honor to be moved up.

We can take a similar view of our spiritual lives. What does Peter say about the faithful believers? What should these faithful people do? What is the before and after contrast that is made? How does Peter describe the faithful in verse 11? What should the faithful do?

Those without faith can be viewed like children at the kids table, wallowing in the messes of life. But those with faith, those who are true believers and followers of Jesus Christ are promoted to a higher calling. The faithful are a holy nation, a chosen people, a royal priesthood. And as such we are called to proclaim the good news of Christ. We are called to demonstrate our faith and live as holy examples to others.

Those who accept the good news of Jesus are recipients of his grace and mercy, transformed from a group that is not a people into the people of God. Peter’s comment that the faithful believers are aliens to this world harkens back to the passage in Hebrews 11 (Hebrews 11:13). Those faithful and obedient to God are not of this world, the world of tangible, earthly desires. Instead they are members of the heavenly kingdom, and as citizens of the kingdom of God should resist the temptations that this life offers – temptations to sin, to please the self, to be self-centered.

Living a life devoted to the teachings of Christ will allow you to serve as an example and model to others. Though you may face criticism and mockery, in truth your good work and holy living will be a shining beacon that lights the way and gives glory to God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What does it mean to you to be part of a chosen people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood?

Pistis 5

John 14:8-14

We’ve heard the expression before – “I’d give anything to have that new car.” Or, “I’ll do anything for you, because I love you.” We can toss the word “anything” around in our promises and our pledges, but in truth “anything” is usually beyond what we mean or beyond our abilities.

In John 14 Jesus is speaking frankly with his disciples, preparing them for when he will no longer be with them. He tells them that if they know Jesus then they know the Father. What does Philip want? What does Jesus mean by verse 9? According to verse 11, if they can’t believe his words what can they believe? What pledges are made in verses 12-14?

The last three verses of this section are the ones that light a fire in my heart and soul as a pastor. I would hope they could light a fire in every believer. In my mind, if we ignore what is pledged here we are just like the people in Nazareth from the reading in Mark (Mark 6:1-6). If we don’t approach these words from Jesus with the faithfulness that we are supposed to be living, then we are passing on the miracles that God offers.

Verse 12 tells us that we are supposed to be doing ministry. We are supposed to pick up where Jesus left off and carry forward in the good work of rescuing souls, healing the sick, feeding the hungry and caring for the deprived. And yet we overlook the fact Jesus said that we can do “even greater things than these.”

We have the opportunity to live out the true faithfulness we should be exhibiting. If we ask for anything from Jesus – anything! – as long as it is meant to bring glory to God, then Jesus will make certain we get what we need. How can we pass that up?

Yet, so many do. In fact, most people pass it up. And they pass it up, not because God can’t deliver, but simply because they cannot live the faithfulness we are supposed to be living.

If we can claim the faithfulness – pistis – of living out the fruit of the Spirit we can see world-changing miracles performed by God. We can lay claim to the “anything” Jesus offers.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What is the “anything” you need from Jesus?