My Morning Meal

You won’t find a lot of them in Scripture . . . but when you do, it probably makes sense to take note. One of the things I’m on the lookout for when I’m reading are “commands to obey.” And, among the commands I’ve discovered, there is a very small subset that seem to be foundational . . . that, within the context of the writer’s letter, seem to be key to doing life in manner worthy of our calling . . . that seem so essential that they merit being proceeded with the two words, “above all”.

In Peter, he’s writing to “exiles of the dispersion” (1Peter 1:1) — those scattered throughout the provinces of what we know today as Turkey. Not only are they “on the run” from those who hate them and want to hurt them because they are Christians, but they are also “on the run” from the world’s lure which says, “The suffering isn’t worth it . . . the piety is getting you nowhere . . . come, live like the rest of us . . . go back to living they way you used to . . . living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.” (1Peter 4:3)

So the pressure’s on . . . and Peter contends for their faith. And to this point he has done so by reminding them of their wonderful salvation and their “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1:3) . . . he has reminded them of their calling to be holy (1:15) . . . he has reminded them of their need to grow up in their faith by feeding on the word (2:2) . . . he has reminded them of their exalted position as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession” (2:9) . . . and he has reminded them of Christ’s suffering as an example for them to follow as they deal with their own sufferings (2:21, 3:17-18, 4:1). And then, in chapter 4, we get to the “above all” . . . .

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1Peter 4:8-10 ESV)

Above all . . . most importantly . . . before all things. Kind of makes you sit up and take note . . . this has got to be vital. And the “above all” here . . . the foundational principle for standing firm against persecution and temptation . . . the command to obey before all other commands to obey . . . is that believers should love one another . . . and show hospitality to one another. . . and use the gifts they’ve received, by God’s grace, to serve one another. This, it would seem, is paramount. Surviving the dispersion? . . . Enduring the persecution . . . Resisting the temptation . . . it seems to hinge on the reality of the dynamic we experience with “one another.”

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we will all hang separately.” Believers need one another . . . they need to hang together . . . they need to love one another . . . open up their homes and share what they have with one another . . . serve one another with the “body building” gifting God has provided them. Sometimes I wonder if the North American church, at large, isn’t losing the spirit of this “above all” exhortation. Church is more about checking in on Sunday morning and less about being the body of Christ . . . more about loving the Seahawks and less about loving one another . . . more about retreating to my castle and less about opening up my home . . . more about focusing on what I need rather than what I have to give.

Ok . . . so, one might say . . . we are not exiles on the run . . . is this “above all” command for us in our context. I’m thinkin’. We may not know today the overt pressure of persecution, but who can deny the attack we are under from the world . . . the pressure to “live like the Gentiles” do . . . the temptation to go with the flow rather than be a holy people. Let’s not kid ourselves . . . it may not be the Roman government breathing down our neck, but we have an enemy who is “like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1Peter 5:8).

And so, we need to hang together . . . flock together for protection and mutual encouragement . . . exhort one another to “keep the faith” and to “keep on keepin’ on!” And it happens when we love one another . . . when we show hospitality to one another . . . when we serve one another . . . by His grace . . . and for His glory . . . above all!

It’s been an under current within our men’s group for a number of years now. Probably goes back a few years ago to a men’s retreat where we focused on the importance of, and the practical mechanics of, giving one’s testimony . . . the why and the how of telling your story. It’s the version of “the good news” that should be most familiar to us and, with a bit of thought and preparation, it should be ready at a moments notice to share with others. We talked about a simple structure for telling the story . . . a “before salvation” section . . . a “how I came to know Jesus” part . . . and a ” since salvation” conclusion. We talked about having not only the “full un-abridged version” ready, but also being ready with a 5-minute “elevator speech” in pocket. Since then, having one of our guys share their story has been the “main event” of our monthly men’s breakfasts.

So . . . why this introduction, this morning? It’s because I’m reminded this morning that being prepared to tell my story goes far beyond just having taken the time to think it out and write it out . . . it’s about so much more than ordering events into a “before & after” narrative . . . check this out . . .

“. . . . but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1Peter 3:15 ESV)

1Peter 3:15 has been our “theme verse” as to why each of us should have our testimony in hand . . . our marching order to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have. But it hit me this morning, that most often (if not always) we have cited only the last part of the verse . . . that in talking about “being prepared” we may have de-emphasized the foundation of that preparation . . . that is, “in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy.”

Isn’t that truly the starting point for being in a position to tell a story that others need to hear . . . to regard as holy, to sanctify (NKJV), to set apart (NIV), Christ as Lord in the very core of who we are? The preparation is so much more than just taking a few minutes to think it through and write it down. Instead, I’m thinking that getting ready to make a defense to anyone who asks involves a daily aligning to the holiness and lordship of Christ. That being able to “speak up” first begins with the reality of having “bowed down” . . . that an authentic telling of who I am starts with an authentic acknowledgment of who He is.

I want to be prepared to give an answer? It starts with an honest assessment of where I stand in relationship to Him. It begins not with pen and paper but at probing the very depths of what makes me tick. In my heart, what’s most important . . . what motivates me . . . where does my treasure lie . . . where does my hope rest . . . how do I define success . . . what do I seek first . . . who’s really “at the wheel” . . . is Christ, first and foremost, set apart as Lord . . . is His holiness my banner?

Before being too quick to tell my story, I need to be sure deep down, that what is most important to me is His story . . . before spending too much time on “how far I’ve come”, I need to be clear that it’s really about how far He, who bought me, has brought me . . . before I deliver my “elevator speech” I best be sure that He’s the One truly “pushing the buttons” . . .

No doubt about it . . . on the authority of His Word, I need to be prepared to give an answer . . . and preparation starts in the heart . . . and readiness comes with Christ being set apart as Lord of all . . . by His grace . . . and for His glory.

Midway through 1Peter 2 there’s a shift in Peter’s encouragement to the suffering saints he’s writing to. Up to this point he has been reminding them of the wonder of their salvation . . . their election . . . their inheritance . . . their calling to be holy . . . their special place as a chosen generation of God. And, if I noodle on that, it kind of makes sense. Peter’s trying to put the harshness of the temporal into the context of the hope of the eternal . . . directing the focus beyond the horizontal and toward the vertical . . . reminding them that their difficulty is only for a season . . . that eventually, when Jesus returns, they win! But then, there’s a shift in chapter 2 verse 13. And the message to these suffering saints moves beyond “salvation” and, instead, encourages “submission.” And, I gotta be honest, that isn’t where I think I would have gone . . .

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution” (1Peter 2:13 ESV)

In verse 13, these Christians, who were starting to feel the persecution of the Roman government, are told to submit to every authority . . . for the Lord’s sake. In verses 18-19, Christian slaves are told to submit to their masters, even if these masters are harsh and unfair . . . why? . . . because of conscience toward God. And it kind of becomes clear that the number one priority for the believer, whether in good times or not so good times, is to bring honor to the Savior of their souls. In this time . . . in this place . . . under these circumstances . . . they were to submit . . . for the Lord’s sake. They were to endure suffering, though it were unjust, for the sake of their awareness of God’s desire for them to be a testimony to the saving power of Christ.

And I can’t help but think how I need to be motivated more by “for the Lord’s sake.” Less concerned about how I look . . . less concerned about whether or not I’m being treated fairly . . . less concerned about standing up for myself . . . and more concerned about standing up for Him . . . and doing what He wants me to do . . . not necessarily because of the blessing I get out of it . . . but, for the Lord’s sake. To be more motivated by how Jesus looks as a result of my action, than how I look. To be willing to suffer . . . or be humiliated . . . or mocked . . . or misunderstood . . . because of an abiding sense that it’s what Jesus wants me to do for Him.

And it’s not like the Lord asks us to do this without Himself understanding what it means.

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1Peter 2:21-23 ESV)

The One who said, “Father, nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42) led by example . . . an example such that we should be willing to follow in His steps. He didn’t “stand up” for Himself . . . He didn’t “fight back” . . . He didn’t engage in debate or a war of words . . . but for the Father’s purposes “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed” (2:24). If Jesus had stood up for Himself . . . said, “No way,” to Pilate, “this isn’t fair!!!” . . . if He had determined to see justice done there and then by calling upon the legions of angels at His beck and call to dispatch the religious hypocrites and the weak-kneed governor . . . if Jesus had done that, rather than submit to the Father’s will, where would I be today? Lost . . . oh, so lost!!! But for “the Lord’s sake” He endured the unjust treatment . . . the shame . . . the suffering . . . and God was glorified . . . and redemption’s work was completed. And, an example was left for me to follow.

There’s a time for taking it on the chin . . . a time when God is brought the most glory, not by us standing up for ourselves, but through our submission . . . a time when He wants us to emulate the meek and lowly Jesus. And the strength and the confidence for being willing to “take the high road”, though I suffer humiliation or loss, is the knowledge that I can commit myself “to Him who judges justly.” (1Peter 2:23b) I don’t have to stand up for myself . . . He will . . . I don’t have to justify myself . . . He will. Mine is to trust and obey . . . for there’s no other way . . . for the Lord’s sake.

Ok . . . so frozen yogurt has hit the radar of the Corak family in the past few months. There’s a couple of “fro yo” places near us . . . both offer multiple flavors . . . you pick and choose . . . mmmm, good! And here’s the real cool part . . . the dispensing machines are set up with three levers. One to dispense one flavor . . . another to dispense a different flavor . . . and then, there’s the one in the middle, which blends the flavors together and creates a delectable swirl. Mmmm . . .

I came across something in my reading this morning where the ESV translation gives a very different “flavor” than other translations. At first, I’m a bit tempted to try and figure out which one is right . . . but then, I realize that there is truth in both ways of understanding the original intent . . that the truth and subsequent implications of both renderings are profitable for my consideration . . . that both “flavors” are good — and really, really good when mixed together. Here’s what I encountered . . .

As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.’ So the honor is for you who believe . . . (1Peter 2:4-7a ESV)

Here’s how it’s rendered in another translation . . . take note of the last phrase . . .

“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.’ Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious . . . ” (1Peter 2:4-7a NKJV)

See it? The translation I grew up with concludes that “He is precious” . . . He is the object of the conclusion Peter draws. But in the ESV, they see the object as being “you” . . . the believer spoken of in the passage . . . so that “the preciousness” is for you . . . that the honor, or valuing, is something attached to those who come to the Christ, the Living Stone. And, it would seem from the literal translation, that it is kind of left open . . . that to those “who believe, precious.” So . . . there’s the two flavors . . . do I need to pick one or the other? . . . or is there truth in both? . . . can both be enjoyed? . . . do both evoke praise and worship? . . . I’m thinkin’ . . .

To be sure, for those of us who believe, He is precious. That’s the prophetic image given by Isaiah . . . a precious cornerstone, chosen and elect (Isa. 28:16). Jesus is precious to God . . . He is the beloved Son, “in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). Of immeasurable value . . . worthy of all honor . . . that’s my Jesus. How precious is He to me? Pretty! Good flavor . . . nice taste . . . worthy of praise.

But consider the ESV rendering . . . that for those who have come to this precious Cornerstone . . . who have been made living stones in the image of THE Living Stone . . . who are being built up as a spiritual house of worship . . . who have been called into duty as a holy priesthood to enter the holy of holies, through Jesus Christ, able to bring spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God . . . to those who receive all this because they believe . . . precious . . . an honor . . . something of immense value. “So the honor is for you.”

The privilege is precious. The calling is an honor. “Not because of who I am . . . but because of what He’s done. Not because of what I’ve done . . . but because of who He is” (Casting Crowns, “Who Am I”). Oh, what joy to consider what God desires for those who He has brought into relationship with Himself. If you ask me, another pretty good flavor.

He is precious! Amen and Hallelujah! The calling is an honor and is precious, as well. Thank You, Lord!

Two glorious flavors . . . oh, taste that the Lord is good! Better than a “fro yo” swirl . . . amen?

I guess sometimes, in order to appreciate where you are, you need to be reminded of where you’ve been. Without some context from the past, the present can seem pretty hard or confusing. Seems that, at least in part, that’s what Peter was trying to do with the brothers and sisters who were on the run from those who opposed the things of Christ. He tried to put their current realities into the context of a bigger picture . . . to encourage them in the path before them with a reminder of where they had already come from . . . and the price that was paid to get them there.

“And if you call on Him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1Peter 1:17-19 ESV)

They could have viewed their exile as an excuse . . . a reason to grow careless concerning their faith . . . a hard set of circumstances justifying attitudes and actions not exactly aligned with walking in a way consistent with their calling in Christ . . . justification for not seeking first the things of God’s eternal kingdom as they were barely making it through the day. But Peter wasn’t having it . . . “conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.” The exile wasn’t some “exception” allowing them to be lax with the things of Christ. Tough times didn’t alter the nature of God . . . and it didn’t change the nature of their high and holy calling . . . it didn’t lower the bar of expectation for the people of God. Instead, for this season of their lives (yes, for some their last season), it became the arena in which they were to display how to live in the reality of their confession of faith.

Their current realities did not alter the essence and core of who they were. They were a ransomed people.

I like the ESV rendering here. “Redeemed,” used in the other translations, is good, but I do like “ransomed” better. What a reminder that they were once slaves to sin . . . taken captive by another, their lives bound by the chains of spiritual darkness and deadness . . . imprisoned by the limitations of the flesh . . . destined to stumble through life according to the “futile ways” of the forefathers . . . exiles of different kind — separated from the promises and presence of God. But remember, says Peter, that you were ransomed . . . a price was paid for your freedom . . .a payment was made that you might know the liberty that comes from being brought of darkness and into marvelous light. Their release from doing life “the old way” had been secured at a cost . . . a way had been provided so that, those who once were far from God, could now boldly approach Him to find grace and help in time of need. And though life might be getting somewhat chaotic and hard, it didn’t change the fact that they were a purchased people . . . and that God had paid their ransom Himself . . . with the precious blood of His Son.

Paul would say, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1). The voice that says, “Life’s hard. Focus on doing whatever you need to do to get through and don’t worry about living for God . . . you can do that tomorrow when things get easier,” is the voice of a liar. It is the voice of a prison warden who wants take free people and make them captive again. Instead, I’m to be reminded that regardless of today’s circumstance, I have been released from yesterday’s futility because a ransom was paid . . . that the price tendered for such freedom was the precious blood of the Son of God . . . that the grace of God which rescued me from my sin yesterday is the same all-sufficient grace that will sustain me whatever my “exile” looks like today.

Redeemed aka Ransomed . . . how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Redeemed through His infinite mercy . . . His child . . . and forever I am. Amen?

They were a people whose lives had been turned upside down. Peter called them “exiles of the dispersion.” The fires of persecution were increasing . . . their world was getting somewhat chaotic . . . uprooted . . . on the run . . . no longer focused on “building for their retirement” . . . instead trying to avoid “being retired early.” To say that life was getting harder for them would probably be an understatement. And Peter’s counsel to them? . . . his words of advice on how to keep on keepin’ on? I think maybe it could be summarized like this, “Live in light of the full gospel.”

I think too often I live as a “partial gospel” person. Ask me for a reader’s digest version of the gospel and I might respond, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of who I am chief” (1Tim. 1:15) . . . or, “Jesus suffered, died, and rose again on the third day just as the Scriptures said” (1Cor. 15:3-4) . . . or, “On the day I believed in Jesus I became a new creation in Christ, sealed with the Holy Spirit” (2Cor. 5:17, Eph. 1:13). Now, don’t get me wrong . . . all of that, praise God, is true. I believe all that it is at the heart of the good news of Jesus Christ. But notice something . . . it’s all about the past and the present. But when Peter writes to a group of suffering saints, his “lead story” is about being “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1Peter 1:3b-4). He talks about a “salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1:5). He talks about the “good news” of tomorrow. And, in my reading this morning, Peter says this . . .

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1Peter 1:10-11, 13 ESV)

“The subsequent glories” . . . that’s what caught my eye this morning. “The glories that would follow” is how other translations put it. It’s a reminder that my salvation isn’t just about the results of Christ’s first visit to this world . . . but what is going to happen when He returns. That it’s not just about the sufferings of the precious Lamb of God . . . but about “the subsequent glories” when He returns in power and majesty. That it’s not only defined by the grace received but by the grace that will be revealed at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The term I learned for it years ago was “living in the light of the imminent return of Christ.”

It’s a reminder that we were not just saved for the “here and now” but that our salvation is completed in the “there and then.” As such, we deal with the trials and struggles of a world turned upside down by casting an eye toward “the subsequent glories.” I look around . . . I look down . . . and it is way too easy to be overwhelmed . . . consumed . . . sucked into the mire. But look up . . . look way up . . . in anticipation of the subsequent glories . . . in expectation of seeing the King of kings face to face . . . in contemplation of what that day and place will be like . . . and, so says the hymn writer, “the things of earth will go strangely dim.”

Oh, to be reminded of the subsequent glories . . . of the grace that will be revealed when we see Jesus. It has a way of setting an upside down world back on it’s feet . . . has a way of putting the “various trials” (1:6) of today in the context of an eternal tomorrow . . . has a way of re-energizing the inner man so that he can, by God’s grace, work through his outside world.

A lapel pin I saw years ago comes to mind . . . just a trumpet with the word “perhaps” above it and the word “today” below it . . . “perhaps today” . . . perhaps today we’ll hear the trumpet sound (1Thess. 4:16-17). Really? It could be today? I’m thinkin’!

I was talking with someone yesterday about the stuff going on in our family right now. In the course of the conversation she said something like, “Sounds like you guys are doing ok . . . you’ve got your faith.” True enough . . . what we believe to be true about God . . . and His care for us . . . and His Sovereign working in all circumstance, has a sustaining aspect to it. As I’m reading 1Peter this morning it speaks of being “guarded through faith.” But Peter also reminded me this morning that, as important as they are, there is so much more to faith than just getting by and making it through . . .

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1Peter 1:6-7 ESV)

Ok . . . so the ESV translation here really grabs me . . . “the tested genuineness of your faith.” It occurs to me that probably most often I think of faith as something that gets you through the day . . . a way to take the edge off the uncertainty of the future . . . as the anchor which helps maintain some stability through the storm . . . all true. But here I’m reminded that it’s the tough day that refines my faith . . . the scary future that takes theoretical trusting and turns it into “rubber meets the road” clinging to the One who holds tomorrow . . . the gale force winds and crashing waves which take off the rough edges of unbelief and leave polished stones as evidence that God really can be trusted. And how valuable is the tested genuineness of faith? Pretty!!!

God’s word says that it is more precious than gold. Even though gold can stand the heat . . . though it knows the purification process by having the burners set on high . . . when all is said it done, it perishes . . . breaks down . . . has no eternal properties and no eternal worth. Tested faith, on the other hand, has value for eternity . . . it is a “precious stone” forever. Tested genuine faith will be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Christ returns. Not my praise . . . not my glory . . . not my honor. Instead, this faith that comes through the fire, takes on properties that exalts the object of our faith . . . Jesus, the risen Christ . . . Jesus, the coming again King.

How does that change my thinking if, rather than faith being about getting through the trial, the trial becomes the means by which my faith is refined such that it becomes a precious and valued offering to my Savior? I say that I seek to live for His glory . . . that I desire to be a living sacrifice for His praise . . . that I want to honor Him in all aspects of my life. If that’s really true, then being “grieved by various trials” provides opportunity to live out those high and lofty goals. Though the trial itself ain’t much to sing and dance about, I can rejoice in knowing that, if I will yield to His working in and around me, this time can be used to create something that will bring Him the glory I desire He receive . . . the glory He deserves to receive.

Faith is dynamic . . . it needs to be exercised . . . and, when it is, it is refined. What may start out more theoretical becomes intensely practical. What starts out as a seed on the surface, ends up driving down deep, deep roots and blossoms into something that pleases and delights the Father . . . for without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). What begins as a coping mechanism, morph’s into a loving relationship . . . transforms into laughter and singing beyond explanation . . .

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1Peter 1:8-9 ESV)

Yes, it’s about so much more than just coping . . . it’s about falling deeply in love . . . it’s about a joy that transcends the things of earth and this life . . . it’s about realizing the “end game”, the salvation of my soul.

Oh, that I would know the tested genuineness of faith . . . by His grace . . . for His glory.