followers of Christ – Be Still…

Ezekiel 32:1-16 – What an Example!

Read Ezekiel 32:1-16

It’s been nearly a year since Ezekiel was given a message about Egypt’s fate. This one was for Pharaoh himself, whom Ezekiel was asked to mourn for. The LORD’s fury against the Pharaoh is obvious, yet he asked Ezekiel, and presumably others, to mourn for the Pharaoh. That’s a compassionate God despite his fury!

Pharaoh would not be pleased that his judgment would cause him to set such an example. His legacy would be God’s victory. Would Pharaoh be paying attention to Ezekiel’s words from the Sovereign LORD? Continue reading “Ezekiel 32:1-16 – What an Example!”

1 Peter 2:1-10 – Living Stones

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10

It’s all about representing Jesus well. We just heard in our last reading about holy living, and now we learn we’re to be living stones! To get ready for that, Peter begins by commanding a cleanse. He knew firsthand how easily it was to fall prey to the world and let fear or doubt take control. You may even say things you don’t mean! Peter calls us to be real and not fake.

What does a living stone do? What are our job requirements? Peter was a living stone, building his life on the truth of Jesus Christ. What did Peter do? He told people about Jesus. Peter describes us as: “You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.” There’s that bit about being holy again. Peter wants for us to be holy because that’s what Jesus wants for us. His kingdom is being populated with royal priests who are holy!

1 Peter 1:10-12 – What the Prophets Foretold

Read 1 Peter 1:10-12

The prophets of the Old Testament did not only talk about events that were going to happen in their day. Some of their messages pointed to a future time, the day of the Lord, the day of God’s deliverance. Interesting that Peter would include a reference to the prophets so early in his letter. I suppose he was making a connection with his audience.

Everything about being a Christ-follower was new. But reflecting on the prophets of old would be comforting and familiar to those with Jewish roots. Think about what the prophets must have thought when they spoke of “gracious salvation.” That was a foreign concept to them.