Exiles: A Study in 1 PeterSample

As an exile, it’s very easy to forget who you are. Oftentimes when we are in exile or when we become isolated, our identity changes. At least, we buy into the idea that it changes. Truthfully, our identity hasn’t really ever changed, most times we just believe the lies of the enemy about who we are. Throughout this part of scripture, Peter is reminding the exiles that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, the foundation of all creation. And he contrasts the actions of non-believers to believers by saying that non-believers stumble and fall over the cornerstone of faith that is God. But then he goes on to remind us, the exiles, of who we really are. A royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. I don’t know about you, but when I wake up every morning and look in the mirror, those aren’t the first things I think of when I see myself. But it’s true of me. That is who I am. This verse is a beautiful reminder to those who are God’s people, those who have been in exile. Called out of darkness and into his wonderful light… that is why we don’t have to sit back and believe the lies of the enemy. And ultimately because Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, we can live in the truth that we are His special possession, a royal priesthood. And when we start truly allowing that truth into our lives we will begin to live even more like exiles in a world that is broken and void of light.