Peter has a lot to say in his first letter to believers; about how to live and stand firm in the Faith of Jesus amidst difficult people and a challenging world.
Part of today’s Scripture remind us that we start somewhere and end elsewhere. That is, we may start as believers who do not know how to live as God’s children when we come to Faith, but through that Faith, we “are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood…acceptable to God” (1 Peter 2:5). We are to begin by craving “pure spiritual milk, so that by it [we] may grow up in [our] salvation, now that we have tasted that the Lord is good” (2 Peter 2:2-3).
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV84)
In other words, if we are to be faithful as children of God, we don’t remain where we are. We are to grow up – in our Faith, in our living, in our understanding, in our service – in every aspect as a Christian.
God has called us to be “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (2 Peter 2:9).
If we examine ourselves – our hearts and actions, we know that we have been far from those descriptors.
So it’s time for us to “grow up in [our] salvation” (1 Peter 2:2)! And we do so because we crave it. We crave Him! We see all that our loving, reigning, and living Lord Jesus has done for us and we can’t wait to grow in our love, faith, and service to Him and all whom He loves!
Today we celebrate Holy Communion, where we grow up in our salvation by receiving the true Body and Blood of Jesus through bread and wine.
Today we rejoice at a baptism, where God brings His precious child into His family through water and His Word.
Today we delight at nine young men and women who Confirm their faith publicly.
Through these beautiful events – and so many others – we all “grow up in [our] salvation;” are “built into a spiritual house;” are living out lives as a “holy nation…belonging to God.” Today we vow to not remain where we are, but crave growing into being closer to the “holy” people God has called us to be.
All because of Jesus, through whose suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension made our Fatih possible. All because of the Holy Spirit who moved us to Faith at all. All because of our heavenly Father, who loves us and desires to be with us forever.
We have everything through our Lord. Let us respond by growing up and holding steadfast to the gift of Faith in and through our lord and savior, Jesus Christ!
“Lord, You have chosen us to be royal and holy. You have called us to be built up in the Faith You have given us. You desire that we grow up in our faith and our Christian living. Send us Your Holy Spirit, Lord, and help us do this. Create a craving in our heart and soul, not just to be steadfast, but to push forward in every way You want us to grow. In thanks for Jesus and in His precious name do we pray. Amen.”
Scripture
- 1 Peter 2:2-10
- Psalm 146 (Responsory)
