Weekday Devotionals
Set Apart - Baptism
Verse: 1 Peter 2:5
And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God
THOUGHTS:
Salvation, the surrendering of control (real or perceived) over one’s life is an uncomfortable first step for many people. Once this action is taken, baptism can be a logical and emotional next step. What’s next? We tend to think in terms of “I cannot think certain thoughts, I cannot say certain words, and I cannot do certain things.” These are things to consider, and take action on, if necessary, but they are self-focused. God has plans for us.
Pastor Aaron pointed out that in Exodus God tells Moses that He has a plan for the Israelites. God says (Exodus 19:6) “And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation. This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
In 1 Peter 2:9, Pastor Aaron points out that the followers of Christ have that same calling. “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
Can you accept that you have been called to be a priest for God? Not necessarily a church starting pastor, but one who is called to be set apart from the world. You might struggle with the thought of being “set apart”. Away from Thrive you may be the only believer in your house, your family, or at work. I would encourage you to read what Paul writes in Hebrews 11 (the “Faith Chapter”), especially verses 32-40. Famous Biblical characters are mentioned, but also unnamed believers are mentioned. In Hebrew 12:1-3, Paul directs this faith to us, the followers of Christ. “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (The Message)
CHALLENGE:
Still not sure about being set apart? Read Hebrews 12:1-3 (The Message version) again. You are not the first or only person to go through what you will face.
One more mention about being a priest. Revelation 5:9-10, “And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
Jesus has paid the price to make all believers into a kingdom of priest. And this is what the multitude of angels, and those in heaven and on the earth will say:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
Read the following verse as a prayer.
Teach me your ways oh Lord so that I may live according to your truth. Grant me purity of heart so that I may honor you. (Psalm 86:11)
Steve Grigg
Verse: 1 Peter 2:5
And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God
THOUGHTS:
Salvation, the surrendering of control (real or perceived) over one’s life is an uncomfortable first step for many people. Once this action is taken, baptism can be a logical and emotional next step. What’s next? We tend to think in terms of “I cannot think certain thoughts, I cannot say certain words, and I cannot do certain things.” These are things to consider, and take action on, if necessary, but they are self-focused. God has plans for us.
Pastor Aaron pointed out that in Exodus God tells Moses that He has a plan for the Israelites. God says (Exodus 19:6) “And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation. This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
In 1 Peter 2:9, Pastor Aaron points out that the followers of Christ have that same calling. “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
Can you accept that you have been called to be a priest for God? Not necessarily a church starting pastor, but one who is called to be set apart from the world. You might struggle with the thought of being “set apart”. Away from Thrive you may be the only believer in your house, your family, or at work. I would encourage you to read what Paul writes in Hebrews 11 (the “Faith Chapter”), especially verses 32-40. Famous Biblical characters are mentioned, but also unnamed believers are mentioned. In Hebrew 12:1-3, Paul directs this faith to us, the followers of Christ. “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (The Message)
CHALLENGE:
Still not sure about being set apart? Read Hebrews 12:1-3 (The Message version) again. You are not the first or only person to go through what you will face.
One more mention about being a priest. Revelation 5:9-10, “And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
Jesus has paid the price to make all believers into a kingdom of priest. And this is what the multitude of angels, and those in heaven and on the earth will say:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
Read the following verse as a prayer.
Teach me your ways oh Lord so that I may live according to your truth. Grant me purity of heart so that I may honor you. (Psalm 86:11)
Steve Grigg
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