Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you. (1 Peter 1:1-2)
Lord Jesus,
Through Peter you have written this Word to Your Church.
The original readers were physically displaced from their homes, and persecution was likely the culprit. Yet, they were exiles in a spiritual sense as well. No matter where they lived on this planet they were always away from Home. The same is true of us, Lord Jesus. Our citizenship is ultimately in heaven. We will not be Home until we are with You.
This spiritual pilgrimage is not a mishap; the Father has chosen us for this. This sojourn is not purposeless; the Holy Spirit has set us apart to belong to You and to obey You.
As we see Your plan for us to be resident aliens, may we never feel settled here. May there always be a restlessness in each of us that will not allow us to be at home on this earth.
As we live as strangers here, may we see Your redemptive purposes for us and, by grace, align ourselves to those purposes. May we set ourselves apart to You and for You. May we not live in this exile as our own masters, but with You as our Lord.
Thank You that our time away from Home is not without Your provision for us. There is infinite supply of Your grace and peace.
In Your Name and for Your Glory,
Amen
1 Peter 1:1-2, 14-16; 3:15; Philippians 3:20
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