Word@Work 1Pet18 - 1 Peter 2:4
Published: Wed, 05/20/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
REJECTED AND YET CHOSEN
1 Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him ... (NIV)
The Lord Jesus Christ is a very significant person. Even 2000 years since He was physically seen, He is still spoken about all over the world. Of course His Name may just be a swear word, and many do not understand that He is God the Son. Some may think He was a teacher, a guru, or a prophet: but we can know Him personally when we welcome Him as Saviour, Messiah, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (cf John 1:29). All others, despite the respect they may show for His wise teaching, actually reject Him and His claim to be the Lord of all. He is not one among many equals; not a historical figure to be analysed, but the Chief Executive of all creation (cf Heb 1:1-2) to be loved, worshipped and obeyed.
Jesus is God's choice of Saviour for the world. Nobody else can take away sins by paying for the rebellion and corruption in every heart. Nobody else can bring us into a close and personal relationship with God. Yet, while on earth Jesus predicted His rejection, "He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again" (Mark 8:31). But he also used the words of Ps 118:22-23 to say, "Haven't you read this scripture:" 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes'?" (Mark 12:10-11). These words made a big impression on Peter (whose name means 'stone'), and he repeats them in this letter.
When we unite with Jesus, we share His rejection; but only in the eyes of those who reject Him. When we choose Jesus, we unite with Father God who chose Jesus to be the Saviour of the world - even before He created it (cf 1 Peter 1:20)! So the Lord Jesus Christ is very precious to Father God, and to all those who love Him. Although many may have heard of Jesus, lots of them have never understood what He has done, and why He is so precious. (If you are not sure about this, then click onto www.crosscheck.org.uk.) If you are sure that He is your Rock, then do not be discouraged if other people at work or home reject you; remember that Father God has chosen to accept you because you trust in Jesus.
Prayer: Father God. I am so grateful that You chose Jesus Christ to be my Saviour; and that His death was the only perfect and sufficient sacrifice for my sins, and for the sins of the whole world. Thank You for opening my eyes to see who Jesus is, and for allowing me to welcome Him into my life. Help me, when others reject me because I love Jesus; and reassure me that You have chosen me as Your own precious child. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
The Lord Jesus Christ is a very significant person. Even 2000 years since He was physically seen, He is still spoken about all over the world. Of course His Name may just be a swear word, and many do not understand that He is God the Son. Some may think He was a teacher, a guru, or a prophet: but we can know Him personally when we welcome Him as Saviour, Messiah, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (cf John 1:29). All others, despite the respect they may show for His wise teaching, actually reject Him and His claim to be the Lord of all. He is not one among many equals; not a historical figure to be analysed, but the Chief Executive of all creation (cf Heb 1:1-2) to be loved, worshipped and obeyed.
Jesus is God's choice of Saviour for the world. Nobody else can take away sins by paying for the rebellion and corruption in every heart. Nobody else can bring us into a close and personal relationship with God. Yet, while on earth Jesus predicted His rejection, "He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again" (Mark 8:31). But he also used the words of Ps 118:22-23 to say, "Haven't you read this scripture:" 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes'?" (Mark 12:10-11). These words made a big impression on Peter (whose name means 'stone'), and he repeats them in this letter.
When we unite with Jesus, we share His rejection; but only in the eyes of those who reject Him. When we choose Jesus, we unite with Father God who chose Jesus to be the Saviour of the world - even before He created it (cf 1 Peter 1:20)! So the Lord Jesus Christ is very precious to Father God, and to all those who love Him. Although many may have heard of Jesus, lots of them have never understood what He has done, and why He is so precious. (If you are not sure about this, then click onto www.crosscheck.org.uk.) If you are sure that He is your Rock, then do not be discouraged if other people at work or home reject you; remember that Father God has chosen to accept you because you trust in Jesus.
Prayer: Father God. I am so grateful that You chose Jesus Christ to be my Saviour; and that His death was the only perfect and sufficient sacrifice for my sins, and for the sins of the whole world. Thank You for opening my eyes to see who Jesus is, and for allowing me to welcome Him into my life. Help me, when others reject me because I love Jesus; and reassure me that You have chosen me as Your own precious child. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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