One of the most burning questions inside every human being is about why we are on this planet. Why we exist? We are looking and searching for meaning. This is also true for the church. The collective church seems to struggle with answering this question in a consistent and compelling way. Many look to the day that the church is "called home" but make little emphasis on what is happening today. We are not here to simply endure the failures of culture, society, and the empire that governs us. So, why are we here? Peter helps give us perspective in the first 12 verses in his letter (1 Peter 1:1-12).
We are here to be a Chosen Marginalized
Peter calls the people of God "elect exiles." They are in direct disagreement and inner rebellion with the empire of Rome. The republic demanded conformity and the pressure to worship according to Rome's demands pushed the people of Jesus to the margins of society. This was where the impact on the poor, the broken, and the vulnerable began to mark the followers of Jesus. We were chosen for this task. The margins of society is the center of the kingdom of God.
We are here to display a Sure and Future Hope
The people of Jesus should possess more hope than any other people on earth. It doesn't always feel that way, however. There is a reason that Peter needed to remind and encourage the church that was in Asia about their secure hope: they were scared. They could not see hope so clearly in the midst of persecution. He points them to a hope that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading." Our present circumstances are not greater than our future hope.
We are here to form a Courageous Authenticity
Some of Peter's imagery and examples come from the Old Testament during the time of Babylonian Captivity. This time of "exile" for the people of God tested their authenticity. The "fire" of Babylon was very real for men like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were found to have an authenticity that was greater than the gold of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3). Peter points to the same tests in other empires for you and me. The fires that we face are not destructive; they are refining. They change us, but they do not destroy us.
We are here to Enjoy Jesus
Jesus is better. Jesus is better than anything. He is what we are looking for and seeking in this world. His Gospel is the hope of this world. His radical grace is our purpose on this planet. Peter points us to grasp hold of what we cannot see. He tells us that this "unseen" Jesus is who we love, put our trust in, and joyously celebrate. This enjoyment of Jesus should mark us as a people. How different would we look to the world around us if this were our everyday attitude and expression.
We are here to Honor those that Came Before Us
We are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses." Peter didn't write this phrase (they don't think) but he could have. He believes it deeply. The prophets looked at the grace that was to come through the incarnation of Jesus with longing. The person or people that shared the Gospel with you and introduced you to Jesus looked at your faith with great expectation. Even the angels look on the life that you get to lead with awe. Jesus has caused all of this to happen because he loves you, he has a purpose for your life.
He has a mission for you.
Will you accept it?
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