STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS. 1st Peter 1:1 Peter uses the new name given to him by the Lord. We are to grow in grace to become more like our new name, “Christian.” Peter was an apostle—someone who had seen the risen Christ; he had a private encounter and conversation with his Lord; eaten a meal the Lord provided; he heard the Lord Jesus Christ teach His disciples after His resurrection; he was chosen and gifted; and he had been commissioned by the Lord to preach the Gospel. A fisherman has learned some things others might have missed. There is a way of life that one adopts when called upon to fish. He quickly figures out the right time to get up for a successful day. Often, it’s just before sunup when he finally fills his net. If one day is spent fruitlessly searching with no fish in sight, a true fisherman gets up early the next day and tries again because he knows the fishing grounds. The fisherman understands that every day he is responsible for doing his part. But ultimately, it is God who makes his work successful, even when it’s dark.
Peter learned before being sent that an apostle has an important message. There is work that may be very hard before people pay attention. One never knows which word or phrase will bring a desired result. All we can do is ensure that the hearers cannot find fault. Gifts are varied; God knows what is right in preparing His own for work. Our responsibility lies in being consistent and never shirking our calling. By God alone and through power from Him, we will leave the results to His grace. When our work is done, there’ll be glory to Him as we trace His leading.
There are some important points to notice as we read the opening words of this letter to the Lord's people who are scattered abroad today. The title "Jesus Christ" refers to both the humanity of our Lord and the fact that He was a person who was appointed, "Sent," to fulfill a specific purpose.
The apostle of Jesus Christ. v. 1. The person called The blood of Jesus Christ. v. 2. The grace needed The resurrection of Jesus Christ. v. 3. The new birth given The appearing of Jesus Christ. v. 7. The rewards presented (at the judgment seat of Christ) The revelation of Jesus Christ. v. 13. The actions expected.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was assigned to complete a mission in this hostile world, and He came and fulfilled that mission. Now it is our turn, because we have also been commissioned to preach the Gospel, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them. This appointment was clear to Peter, who was an apostle in the foundation of the church. We are built upon the foundation of "the apostles and prophets" to carry out our divine assignment.
Strangers (pilgrims): these were believers, "strangers scattered" across the Roman Empire. They would stand out wherever they were found, even though they were relatively few in number. Those who follow the Lord and scriptural teachings are considered misfits in modern secular society. Even religion often cares more about money and social acceptance than about what the Lord desires and the eternal welfare of people's souls.
I guess we Christians don’t fit very well in a society that has the world as its goal. What gives believers joy and motivation doesn’t seem to satisfy a worldling’s soul. We speak the same language but follow a different drummer. We march and sing a different tune. Most around us expect to be here a long time, but we strangers expect to be leaving soon. Around me, people strive for more and better, measuring meaning in life by success.
Strangers to the world-system only truly want to be involved in what God can bless. To people around me, the best a person can do is to be available as a friend to those in need. We who are “strangers” from God’s kingdom know that our “best” is to follow the Word of God. To our neighbors and friends nearby, what makes them happy is having fun together. To those in God’s kingdom, a reason for our joy is to see them truly repent and finally call God their “Father.”
To understand God’s will, we follow His daily guidance by reading His Word each day. While building friendships is secondary, being willing to do all God says is essential. I will remain a stranger, even in daily contact with those in these nations around us, hoping and praying that some Gospel seed will fall and stay on fallow ground, bringing forth much fruit when the seed germinates. This fruit will fully develop and remain, producing a friendship among those in God’s family. Former strangers, now God’s children, we believe the same.