Of First Importance: A Holy Week DevotionalSample

The Call to Participate in God’s Mission

READ

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. 1 Peter 2:9

Additional Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Revelation 22:3

REFLECT

Today, we celebrate that Jesus is alive. He has risen! The whole message of the gospel lies in the truth that Jesus died for our sins, and He resurrected from the dead. As the apostle Paul wrote, this truth is of first importance to us. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, His death was not in vain, and our faith is not futile. The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate validation of the Christian faith. No matter how hopeless our situation can be at times, because Jesus rose from the dead, we can be confident that when Jesus is in the story, nothing is too hopeless. Therefore, we can rejoice!

We have now reflected on how God desires to redeem His relationship with His people for a whole week. Sin destroyed what we could have enjoyed in the Garden of Eden: being in God’s holy presence shamelessly and blamelessly. The good news is that God had an excellent plan to redeem us. He sent His Son to die and redeem us back to Him so we can enjoy our relationship with Him again. The story of God’s plan in Eden does not stop with the fall of man. We have been given new hope for restoration because Jesus rose again from the grave. God’s plan to restore His creation will surely prevail, and He promises to make everything new. This promise has been validated and signed in His resurrection and will be completed upon His return.

In 1 Peter 2:9, we are given a mission—a mission to proclaim the excellencies of our God. Individually and as a church, we are to proclaim God’s wonderful plan for His creation. Not only have we been saved from our sins, but the beauty of the gospel is that we are now set apart for a purpose. God desires to restore His creation fully, and He wants us to be involved in this mission. Each part in His body has a role to play, and our ultimate goal is to proclaim His wonderful plan to the world.

Every day, let’s remember the hope that the resurrection Sunday brings. The tomb is empty, and the victory is won. As a church, together, let’s embrace our mission. Let’s proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light!

RESPOND

• How are God’s people described in 1 Peter 2:9? Which one stands out to you the most, and how do you think the church can live this out?
• Is there an area in your life that needs to be restored by God? What is your prayer for this?
• In your sphere of society, how can you participate in God’s mission? To whom can you proclaim the gospel this week? Write their names down and pray for each one.