1st Peter 2:4-10 SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES
There are a number of ways our Lord is presented as the Living One. He is the "Living Water" that springs up into eternal life quenching the thirst of one who finds the world and all it offers does not satisfy. He referred to Himself as the "Living Bread" which came down from heaven that sustains and strengthens the life of those who eat of that bread. He is the "Living Way" that gives us direct access to God our heavenly Father. That way was opened by His suffering, death and resurrection that made possible the removal of sin. Reconciliation to God is now possible when one steps through the "Door" to "The Way, the Truth and the Life."
1Peter 2:2, 5, 9, 11, 16, 19, 25. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby… lively stones... royal priests…strangers and pilgrims… servants of God… sufferers… recovered sheep.” SIMILIES. A pilgrim passing through this land, Is never sure just where he stands. Other folks who live around here, Have not been troubled about going there, Where the pilgrim knows his home is in Heaven, ‘cause he has been born again – He is a “new born babe!”
To tell some people that you are a stone, That lives and breathes the air of home; Where Jesus lives and the Father waits – Why, they would think you were too late; When sense was passed out, you were out to lunch. It is hard to explain the divine touch, That made me a “living stone!”
A priest to some, is a man in black, Who walks about with his face so slack, They don’t know if he is here or there. But a royal priesthood, represents and shares, God’s blessings, and His words of life. He passes on, in times of strife Hope, because he is a “royal priest!”
Strangers and pilgrims have their faces set, Towards the home of the Savior they once met; When in sin’s dark hold, they found relief; And were blessed abundantly by saving grace.
So now on their way through this desert land, They move with steady pace and staff in hand Because they are “strangers and pilgrims.”
On their journey though to the home above, They are called to serve the One they love. They serve their Master by serving men, Providing for needs and help when they can. The time they spend to serve the Lord, Will have in the future, a sure reward: They are “servants of God.”
Problems arise on this journey through, From those who don’t want the Gospel true. Some saints will suffer, through all their years, And others less; yet each one bears The burdens of loss, or pain, or grief. But the day is coming of sweet relief: For the “patient sufferers!”
We are not perfect; we will all need help. And shepherds over the Savior’s flock, Are there to bring back those who stray afar, And recover them from where they are, To where the Chief Shepherd keeps the soul Safe – and where each one can fulfill his role; As a “recovered sheep!”
“O Guide and Guardian of the pilgrim traveler: in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I commit this day of the journey to Thee for direction, protection, correction and instruction. As the need arises, help me make whatever course changes that are necessary without complaint or resentment – and help me not to wait to make the changes but to act right away. Amen.”
As the "Living Stone" our Lord is identified as the One all Israelis would know who brought life-giving water to their ancestors while they were on their journey to the promised land through the wilderness. He was rejected by men but chosen by God, and is precious to Him and to us who believe. He was the prepared Stone when "the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world." The coming of Christ was no after-thought by God. Believers have come to Him and continually do like those in the Old Testament times came with their offerings and worship. He is the Living Stone in contrast to the dead stones of the Jewish temple.
Unbelievers attempt to build a temple for God from the "stones" they think they can cut out by themselves. The "Chief Corner Stone," the "Living Stone has already been prepared and laid in place for the spiritual temple God is erecting. The church is a living temple to which every believer is added as a "living stone" built upon the foundation of "the apostles and prophets." Like Christ was chosen, so are we to be placed in this spiritual house. The picture Peter is portraying is that of a building composed of many parts that are "fitly framed together." It takes more that one piece to make a wall. None of us is independent from other living stones. The unity of community is not well accepted in modern society and modern church life. People want to think they can come or go as they please, especially if they are in a large fellowship. Believers are dependent on each other for safety, testimony and worship. Participation on the part of each one enhances the value of the whole.