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Transformed Imaginations
Imagination (noun): The faculty of imagining, or of forming mental images or concepts of what is Read More
Matthew Croasmun | Read 1 Peter 1:17-23
Each of us looks for something that will last. In this passage,
our instincts about permanence get flipped on their head.
The enduring character of what God has done for us in Christ is
contrasted to “perishable” silver or gold. If the ads on television
serve as an indicator, “perishable” is not the first thing jewelers
want coming to mind when we think of silver or gold. These are
precious metals, the stuff out of which we make our most enduring
artifacts. But perishability is a matter of perspective.
The passage points to two items sturdier than gold or silver.
The first is “the precious blood of Christ.” The combining
of scripture passages suggests we read this in light of Psalm
116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his
faithful ones.” Certainly Jesus’ death was precious in the sense
that it was costly, perhaps too costly to comprehend. His resurrection
and continued pursuit of us in love, destined before Creation,
draws us into God’s eternal intentions for the flourishing
of the world. That is secure footing, indeed.
The second source of enduring value is “the living and
enduring word of God,” described as “imperishable seed,” reminiscent
of a teaching of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel: the word as seed
scattered across the world (8:4-15). This word is “the good news
that was announced to you” (1 Pet. 1:25). This is the gospel in
all its fullness, the message Peter preached at Pentecost: Though
we have made ourselves God’s enemies, God nevertheless pursues
us in love. Jesus’ resurrection evidences the unchanging
nature of that pursuit. Not even our enmity can turn back the
love of God. Not even death can overcome it. If we set our hope
on God, we will not be disappointed.
Lord, I set my hope on you. Amen.
What is the Easter message, and what are we to do with it? Two dimensions of the responses to God’s act of raising Jesus stand out. First, repeatedly the texts speak of public worship. Second, the texts speak of changed lives. In 1 Peter 1 the Resurrection effects a new birth marked by obedience to the truth and mutual love. The two responses—public worship and transformed lives—are not separate from each other in the texts. One leads to the other and back again.
• Read Acts 2:14a, 36-41. What of Peter’s words that follow speak to the heart of the good news: “God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified”?
• Read Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19. The psalmist declares that he will pay his vows to the Lord “in the presence of all [God’s] people.” As the author notes, what story will you tell about God’s work in your life?
• Read 1 Peter 1:17-23. When have you witnessed God’s guid- ing hand at work in your life, not only in pleasant times but also in disappointment and darkness?
• Read Luke 24:13-35. When have you participated in a Bible study that offered such illuminating results? When have you experienced the inbreaking of God’s life at the table of Jesus Christ?
Respond by posting a prayer.
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