Peter was reinstated by Jesus during what seemed like an "ordinary day at the beach", and was recommissioned to be a fisher of men and caretaker of Jesus' sheep (see John 21). So how did that call shape Peter's life and how did it shape his understanding of salvation?
(Read I Peter 1:1-2:3)
Right away at the beginning of this letter we see Peter's understanding of salvation summarized. "To God's elect ... who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood."
These are profound statements indeed! Notice that the emphasis for salvation is completely on God. This is God's work. He chose, He sanctifies for obedience and He sprinkles with cleansing blood. Salvation is God's work from beginning to end! And we see that continued in the rest of the passage.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth ... an inheritance ... kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power ..."
The emphasis is definitely on God and His work in bringing us salvation received by faith! So the call to obedience is the response to God's work in Jesus. This was what Peter came to understand during that "day at the beach" and it shaped his work as a caretaker of Jesus' sheep.
What about you? What do you learn from this passage about our call to be not only fishers of men, but also caretakers of Jesus' sheep? Let's discuss.
No comments:
Post a Comment