RPG Adults
STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS
MONDAY, AUGUST 1
1 Peter 1:1-2
Psalm 16
“Remove from me
the way of lying…”
STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS
The Apostle Peter originally wrote 1st Peter to Jewish Christians who were scattered far from their homeland. They had become pilgrims because they hoped someday to return to their homeland. They were also “strangers” (1 Pet 1:1) because they lived a life different from the people around them. Originally, they had kept their religion and culture by erecting synagogues in every town (Acts 13:5; 14:1; 18:4). This dedication to preserve their Jewish culture and distinctiveness served to remind them that they were pilgrims hoping to return home soon. But it also caused them to appear strange to their non-Jewish neighbours.
Back in Israel, when Jews became Christians, they were put out of their synagogue and cut off from Jewish life. In a sense, the Jewish Christians became double outcasts: pilgrims in the land in which they were scattered to because they were Jews, and strangers among their own Jewish people because of their faith in Christ.
As believers today we should be able to relate very well to these Jewish Christians of old. Scripture tells us that when we openly declare our faith in the promises of God, we make ourselves strangers and pilgrims on this earth (Heb 11:13; 1 Pet 2:11).
The purpose of Peter’s first epistle is to instruct us in living this life of a stranger and pilgrim. We are reminded of the difference between ourselves and those around us who do not know Christ (1 Pet 2:9). We are encouraged to face this suffering and ridicule even as our Saviour did (1 Pet 2:21). And finally, we are given encouragement as Scripture reminds us of our wonderful destination which is eternal glory with the Lord (1 Pet 5:10).
As the Jews of old gathered in their synagogues to study their heritage so must we constantly study Scripture and follow its precepts. If we do this, we will maintain our testimony as children of God who are strangers and pilgrims on this earth.
THOUGHT: What is the purpose of Peter’s first epistle?
PRAYER: Father, may I remember to live on earth as citizens of heaven.