1 Peter 2 reminds me of graduating from elementary school to middle school. In my town, the two buildings were separated by a short fence, but the difference was dramatic. Teenagers do not look, dress or act the same as young children. After the culture shock wore off, it would have been unthinkable to want to go back to elementary school. Today’s lesson is about maturing. The previous chapter tells the reader: “For you have been born again.” Chapter 2 begins, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.” The focus is not on making yourself righteous, it is that since you are now born again, you are no longer an undisciplined child. Peter instructs new believers to grow up fast, and like newborn babies: “crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” Some of us spent 20 or more years reveling in immaturity, and then while observing those strange creatures on the other side of the fence, we saw something new. Everything was bigger and everyone had more freedom. Perhaps you heard a word of great comfort, or experienced the joy of God’s peace. Peter says: “you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
The rest of the chapter explains the process of learning how to thrive in the new environment. Peter describes Christ the Messiah as: “the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God.” And he addresses us newbies, still full of uncertainty: “you also… are being built into a spiritual house.” This word “house” is both the dwelling, and also establishing a new family line. There is a sense of future greatness being built. Peter calls them a “holy priesthood… acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Quoting from the Psalms and Isaiah, he refers to Messiah: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” He adds: “A stone that causes people to stumble.” People still stumble over Jesus today. Sin and death are troubling subjects, impossible to avoid. We overcome fear by way of the cross. Peter was writing to new believers in the very first years after the crucifixion. They lacked experience; and yet, Peter called them: “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” He is telling all of us to live with a hopeful expectation: “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” When we are full of doubts, he reminds us: “now you have received mercy.”
Peter closes the chapter with an exhortation to be a shining example to the late bloomers and wall-flowers. The early Christians were under intense persecution and suspicion. Peter encouraged them to live such good lives “that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” Everything we say and do reflects the God we serve. Maturity means that we accept that responsibility. He continues, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” Notice he includes the purpose: “by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” Humility listens and responds with reason and grace. Peter includes a warning: “do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.” Greed and corruption should be intentionally avoided. Peter offers some parameters: “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” There are limits to obedience to any authority. There is no immunity for following orders that violate the law or your conscience. Peter instead insists: “If you suffer for doing good… endure it.” He says to recall Christ’s example: “they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate.” Little eyes are watching through the fence. Our job is simply to point them toward the open gate. Jesus died so that all can be forgiven. “He Himself bore our sins… by His wounds you have been healed.” With that understanding, let’s take joy in our freedom!