11 December 2006

Today we continue to hear how the writer of 1 Peter continues to shape the identity and life of the community.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people;
once you had not received mercy, but now your have received mercy. (2:9-10)

In the face of all others, this is what we must remember. In the face of any power that attempts to pull us down, this is what we must remember. In addition, no matter how little we think of ourselves, this is what we must remember. I must also remind us that this is not merely a passage to make sure individuals are reminded of such a action by our God that brings about a new identity. The text talks about the community - the followers of Jesus - the whole body. We - are God's people and we have received mercy. This becomes our identity. We are being called into it. We are given the opportunity to witness through our lives to the one who places us within such a chosen place. The mercy extended to us...becomes the mercy we share. In that sharing, our lives become just what God intended - a holy people.

Connection: Once you were not a people - but now you are a people. This is a statement that describes us before we even act today. Now, we are invited to step into that identity that is our by grace.

O Lord, the gifting of Christmas has not begun and already your Word brings news of the gift of life you give to each of us. Sometimes it is enough to bring us peace and sometimes it is merely enough to help us remember just whose we are and in that remembering, the day does change around us. We give you thanks for calling us and claiming us as your own. Amen.