Scripture:
1 Peter 1:22-25 ESV
[22] Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, [23] since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; [24] for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, [25] but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
Observation:
I love how Peter makes this statement… “having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth.” It reminds me of James 1:22, which says to be doers of the word and not just hearers only. If you pay attention to the bible, it really explains itself. Peter wants us all to know that the truth of GOD’S word is love. From a heart that is motivated by a selfless ambition. A true brotherly kind of love for all. The root of that comes from a real relationship with Jesus, one that has recreated those who have accepted HIM as their LORD. Being born again says we are new people born of a seed that is not going to fade away. Going back to James 1:22, we find the process of how that rebirth is the catalyst for a changed life. The word of GOD continues to bring about the new life that we were intended to have. That being said, Peter wants us to know our flesh will feed away, but our soul will not. However, GOD’S word has stood the test of time. A timeless truth that was put together by the very same spirit that raised Christ from the dead. GOD’S word is the same today, tomorrow and forever it just won’t change.
Application:
I fell in love with GOD’S word several years ago. The transformation that has taken place as a result only has one explanation. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE. Making Jesus the LORD of my life. Gave me a whole new life I never thought possible. My desires and behaviors have changed. A rebirth has taken place. The timeless truth has changed me, and a love has grown in my heart that puts others first. Thinking of them as more important. A servant’s heart replaced the cold, hard heart of stone, and the amazing part of it is… the very same thing will continue to happen all over the world for the rest of time, for countless people, because although one day my flesh will fail. GOD’S word never will. My suggestion is to read this timeless truth… learn how to love, and allow Jesus to be the LORD of your life. Calling the shots. Letting GOD’S word be the decision-maker. The more I read, “GOD’S word, the more it shapes me to be conformed to the image of HIS son.” It speaks directly to my heart. This is my invitation for you to come to the table. Join the feast. Be reborn. As Peter and James said… “Purify your soul by your obedience to the truth.”
Prayer:
Father, your word will last forever. It will not fade or go away. I know the power that is held within it. Although I have a long way to go. You have already brought me so far. You are truly an amazing GOD and FATHER. Thank you for giving me new life through your SON. Today, I want to pray for those who may not know you. That you would create a moment in time for a divine appointment just like you have with so many others, including but not limited to me. I know that right now you are setting stepping stones in the path of all those you are calling so that they will have an encounter with your SON. Honestly, I just want to thank you for doing so for me. I know you will not start something you do not finish. Again, all I can say is thank you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.