30 November 2006

Today we continue in chapter one of 1 Peter.

Previously, the writer put forth the promise of God that brings living hope to all who trust what God has done through Jesus. Now we continue:
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven - things into which angels long to look!

Something that bothers people about the tone of this passage is the notion that the prophets were pointing to Christ, Jesus. Too often, we look back at the Hebrew scriptures and read Jesus into every piece of witness to the Reign of God. Yes, when we put the words of the prophets alongside much of what we know of the Good News of Jesus as the Christ of God, we do come away with pictures that are quite similar. What is more important than that kind of "reading into" those texts is the simple thought that the vision of the prophets was one that was so aligned with the promises of God that as Jesus lives within those promises and faces what happens to those who live within that blessed domain, he will face exactly what he faced - persecution, rejection, death...and yes, glory. We rest within the good news because it is eternally true and valid for us. There is a new life and a way to move through the world that has the look of the Christ about it...or a look of the words of the prophets...or a look of God bringing all things into being. The only power that brings this life into view and then makes it a reality is the power of God...the Holy Spirit that moves us beyond ourselves and causes us to live in ways that may testify to a life that is not greatly accepted and yet is a part of the glory of God's Reign.

Connection: Today is a part of that long time word of hope and life that comes before us and then leads us into what will be. We begin by facing today as a gift and then being a part of the gift for others. This is a witness and a testimony and it comes in the shape of real life stuff that we make a part of this day.

Just as the prophets lifted up the eyes of the people of old, we long to have your Christ, lift up our eyes so that we may more clearly see the path of life that will unfold before us as the Holy Spirit grabs us and takes us beyond our imagination and right into the glory of your presence. Thanks to you, O God, and continue to shape our lives within the bold images of the prophets of old and the the Lord, Jesus. Amen.