“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. Declare the glory and grace of your kind and generous Abba who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (Para.1Pet.2:9). “Live such good lives among the pagans (and the self-righteous, the Left, and the Right) that, though they deride you, they’ll see your good deeds and glorify God on the Day he visits us” (1Pet.2:12). “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1Pet. 2:17)
King Jesus, nothing but the Gospel can explain the change in Peter’s life reflected in these verses. He went from being an angry separatist to living as an engaged citizen in your now and coming Kingdom. Faith sabotaged his fear, hope supplanted his hysteria, and love replaced his spirit of “us versus them.”
When political forces tried to arrest you (Matt.26:53), you could’ve dispatched “twelve legions of angels” to rescue you. But, Jesus, you’ve never needed rescuing. That would be us. The same angels you could’ve dispatched then remain at your beckoning call now.
But on this August 2025 Wednesday, you “control the course of world events—sitting down and setting up kings at your discretion (Dan.2:21). Hallelujah! Forgive us for ignoring, minimizing, or under-believing this bodacious declaration. Very practically, show us how to “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
How was it possible for Peter and his friends to “honor” Nero—a true narcissist and tyrant? By praying for him, and serving you as their present, true, and eternal King. Do the same in and for us, Jesus. Fill us afresh with the Holy Spirit. Until you return and finish making all things new, show us how to live as salt and light—not as flame throwers or “kiss ups.” So Very Amen.
