Scripture: 1
Peter 2:2–10
As the Easter Season continues we also press forward through
a semi-continuous reading of 1 Peter. Peter has been testifying about the power
of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. He urges his readers to long for God’s
Word as the most essential form of nourishment because they have received a new
identity and way of life in Christ. This passage speaks to modern readers as
well and urges them to see themselves in light of the impact Jesus’ death and
resurrection has had on them and the new relationship they have with God
through faith in Jesus.
Teaching
Luther explains this passage beautifully: Here the apostle employs an analogy. … Through
the Word of God you are now born anew. Therefore conduct yourselves like
newborn babes, who seek nothing else than milk. … [S]o you, too, should yearn
for the Word, strive for it, and have a liking for it, in order that you may
imbibe the pure spiritual milk.
These, too, are
figurative words. … [H]e is speaking of … spiritual milk which is taken with
the soul and which the heart must imbibe. … [T]his milk is nothing but the
Gospel, which is also the very seed by which we were conceived and born…. This
is also the food that nourishes us when we grow up; it is the armor which we
put on and with which we equip ourselves.[1]
Life
Just like babies are intended to grow, Christians, too,
should grow. We want to grow in faith, in knowledge of God, in understanding of
his Word, and in obedience. Interestingly, what we are doing right now helps us
grow. Hearing/reading the Word grows us. The Word causes us to grow. This is
why regular worship attendance to hear the Word and to receive the Sacraments
(which is the Word of God delivered through physical means) is so important.
The Gospel also changes our identity. I don’t know if you’ve
ever felt like a nobody, an outsider, or someone of little to no significance.
At one time that might have been correct, but now God has made us his chosen
people, a holy and royal priesthood. We have an important identity and
essential work to do as we intercede for people in prayer and as we represent
Jesus to the world.
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