This morning I was brought back to 1 Peter chapter 2 and the first passage where I have studied a number of times. I have notes in my bible attached to all verses with the exception of the verse on the receipt of mercy where my study is as of this morning. God is certainly great in all that He does and directing me in His Word is no exception.
“10Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” — 1 Peter 2:10 (ESV)
I know that I have been studying “mercy” for a few weeks now, it never gets old to read that God has given me mercy and putting to the fact that I do not deserve it. I was, am, and always will be a sinner. How can God love someone who does not reform from the one thing that separates me from Him? It is through His mercy and grace alone that it is possible.
To go along with the verse above declaring once again the mercy given by God, there are the verses that surround it declaring how we got here and what is expected of us going forward.
“9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light…11Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” — 1 Peter 2:9 & 11-12 (ESV)
I am to be seen in the light of the example of the mercy that I have received. I am to turn from the flesh and turn to God and all that He has for me. I am to be above reproach so that when others see me they see something/someone different. Through my actions alone I am to bring the gospel to those around me. As noted in verse 12, the only thing that should be said against me is that I have done good. And if that is all anyone has to say, I will certainly take it.
I have been given mercy and Peter points out that I have to act like it. I have to take that mercy to heart and go forward as the example of what right looks like in the eyes of the LORD.
What actions are you displaying to those around you? Are you somehow ignoring the mercy and grace you have been given? What if you were to have received the mercy from the LORD and now serve as the example of Him in all that you do?
Trevor's Thoughts 