Who Are You?
Posted by Pastor on February 16, 2010
Bible Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10
The exiles to whom Peter writes were likely asking themselves questions about their own significance and place in the world. Cut off from their former lives and legacy, they were in danger of being absorbed into their new surrounding cultures. In this section of the letter, Peter reminds them who they really are – to give them hope.
Read Isaiah 28:16. This is part of a passage of judgment on the ancient rulers of Israel. Instead of practicing justice and righteousness, they were concerned for their own profits and made agreements with foreign powers (of which God did not approve). God is telling the leaders that he is finally carrying out the judgment upon them for violating the Covenant Law, and he is laying a new foundation – a new cornerstone.
The cornerstone was the most important stone in an ancient building. Its sides determined how close to square the rest of the building would be. Its height determined how large the other stones could be.
Isaiah is saying that God is implementing a new organizing principle for the new (restored) work of God. The people of the time probably thought that God was talking about laying the foundation for a new Temple, but Peter says that the stone is not a rock, but a living person. God’s new organizing principle for his work in the world is a person, Jesus Christ.
Peter goes on to say that the Elect Exiles are also living, being brought to Jesus to be organized into a new thing, a new work of God. Far from being forgotten by God in their exile, believers in Jesus are being actively shaped by God – perfectly accurate according to his own plans.
Which leads Peter to answer the question, “Who are you?” in verses 9-10.
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies 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 you have received mercy.
This is the language of Exodus 19, where God addresses his chosen people prior to giving them the Law. Now Peter says that, according to the cornerstone (the new organizing principle of God’s work) it is the ones who believe in Jesus who have the honor of being “God’s Chosen People”. Like ancient Israel was called out of Egypt into a promised land to be a witness to the nations, now believers have been called out of slavery to sin and sent into all the nations to make the truth of God known.
All Christians are exiles, but Scripture reminds us that we are Elect Exiles, born again with a purpose, as part of the people and household of God. Whatever you are facing in life today – whatever the world is throwing at you in an attempt to bring you shame – remember who God says you really are, commit yourself to your true purpose, and hold your head high with honor. May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you today.
