Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Monday after the Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Trinity Sunday

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-12 (NKJV)
 
1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
 
To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
 
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
 
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
 
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
 
10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.
 
Devotion
 
The traditional New Testament introduction of this letter beautifully proclaims the Gospel, leaving no doubts about the extremely blessed condition of the recipients. It presents a far-flung audience that covers a large sweeping arc of Roman provinces, stretching from eastern Turkey to western Iraq.
 
The image of being sprinkled with Christ’s blood brings the totality of the Old Testament Covenant into focus while pointing to the grace of God that fulfills all of Holy Scripture (Old and New Testament). This once-for-all atoning sacrifice of Christ is expanded upon in verses three through twelve, utilizing historic Old Covenant Mosaic and Prophetic imagery and language to weave a luxurious tapestry of the here-and-now Messianic New Covenant that encompasses the future and eternity. The one makes promises through Moses and the Prophets, the other one fulfills all promises in the Lamb of God Jesus Christ’s incarnation, life, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension, and pending return. This is all accomplished while confessing a clear Trinitarian formula that creates, strengthens, and fulfills faith, showing grace to God’s elect throughout all time.
 
Prayer: O God, for our redemption You gave Your only begotten Son to the death of the cross and by His glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of the enemy. Grant that all our sin may be drowned through daily repentance and by the power of the Holy Spirit, that day by day we may arise to live before You in righteousness and purity forever. Amen.
 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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