1 Peter 2
In the Disney movie The Lion King, Simba is the prince and rightful heir to rule over
the pride after his father’s untimely death. However, having been tricked to
believe that his father’s death was his own fault, Simba ran away. He took on a
life of leisure, displaying no responsibility and no signs of his heritage.
That is, until he was reminded of who he is.
It is easy for us to forget our identity
as adopted sons and daughters of the King, too. The world’s message to us is
that we are creatures of accident, who have evolved randomly to our current
state. Ethically there is no difference between us, the animals, the plants, or
the earth itself; we are all from the same source after all. Morally, there is
no high or low ground. There is only power and efforts to exert it over others.
Thus when someone says a behavior is wrong, the world replies, “Perhaps for
you, but you have no right to place your ideas over mine.”
In addition it is tempting to be lulled
to a sense of false security by the world. It offers fun. It encourages us to
look to ourselves, pleasure, and wants. Even as it encourages people to serve
and help others it points back to self as the motivation because, “Serving
feels good.”
Peter, however, reminds us who we are
and why we are who we are. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a
holy nation, a people for [God’s] own possession, that you may proclaim the
excellencies of Him who call 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.”
He says to us, “Remember who you are!
You were chosen in Christ. His Holy Spirit gave faith to you. He called you out
of the darkness of sin and death, and showed you mercy. He made you alive to be
a light for the world; a light that reflects your Heavenly Father’s and savior
Jesus’ light so the world may see and believe.”
Notice how our identity is wrapped up in what God has done for us!
How beautiful it is when we see who we
are: God’s people! Even greater is when
we see why we are who we are: Because
Jesus saved us. Be who you are because you have received Jesus’ mercy.
Lord, help me know who I am in You, and let
me live as Your person shining Your light in this world. Amen.
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