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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
Are we connected to the apostle Peter and Old Testament prophets? I think yes.
Yes, because everyone who has lived since the prophets spoke are included. The Bible talks about us. That’s quite a concept to wrap your brain around, yet that is exactly what the passage in I Peter 1:10-12 says. Pretty amazing really.
The prophets of old (such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and others) spoke about things that never occurred in their lifetime. We see this in verse 11, which says they wondered and probed, and asked God about who the message was for. When would this information be pertinent?
God didn’t ignore their questions — He helped them understand that their prophecies were for a time yet to come, an appointed time, and that they were not merely serving themselves. Their thoughts and prophecies pointed to Jesus’ birth and purpose, and amazingly, the angels watched, and they wanted to be included too.
Verse 12 had God’s answer: It was revealed to them, that they were not serving themselves, but you.
These prophets understood their obedience was for the benefit of those yet to be born, people like you and I. We too have the privilege to live a Godly testimony, and to demonstrate His goodness and faithfulness for the benefit of our children, grandchildren and families yet to come.
What message do we send to them?
Like the prophets of old, we display life choices and priorities. We provide examples our family sees and can follow. We demonstrate biblical foundations that are firm and trust-worthy to carry the weight of daily life. Our lives communicate how we apply biblical truths that affect real necessities of life.
My family genealogy includes letters written years ago, describing difficult choices made to live a Christian life. Some moved from one European country to another seeking religious freedom. Later, families ventured to America, leaving their homes rather than compromise their beliefs.
These handwritten letters described their fear about taking children into foreign cultures, amidst religious practices they could not embrace, yet they continued trusting.
A lineage of trusting God that I value.
Yes, the Bible is one ongoing story with instructions for life.
Verse 12 continues: Be ready for action. Maintain self-control. Fix your hope on Jesus.
How wonderful that God provides His written word and human examples for us.
Join me as we seek to be that Godly example. Until next week, Anita Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
