1 Peter (Program #1) – An Introductory Word
Of all the disciples called by the Lord Jesus in the gospels, probably the one we can most readily identify with is Peter. Simon Barjona as he was known before the Lord changed his name to Peter. In John chapter 1 was as impetuous as he was fervent and often found himself as the target of the Lord Jesus’ reprove.
Recall for example in Matthew chapter 16, Peter’s sympathetic suggestion to the Lord that He should keep Himself from the suffering of death that He knew awaited Him. “get behind Me, Satan” was the Lord’s reply. “You are a stumbling block to Me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.” How could Peter possibly recovered from such a stinging rebuke?
And of course it was also Peter, who denied the Lord three times during the hour of trial preceding the actual crucifixion. Yet only days later it was this same Peter who stood on the day of Pentecost and usher thousands into the kingdom with his powerful and dynamic speaking.
And not only so, in his two epistles, Peter uses language and phrases so rich and full of high and profound meaning that we can’t help but marvel at the power of God’s full salvation. That this unlearned fisherman could write such thing. Listen to his word in 1 Peter,
1:18 “Knowing that it was not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you were redeemed from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers,”
19 “But with precious blood, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot, the blood of Christ;”
Welcome to our first life-study of the book of 1 Peter.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
With our last program of Song of Songs, we have now concluded all of our life study in the Old Testament. In Song of Songs, which is an extract of the whole Bible, the seeking believer, who typifies us as the seeking believers of Christ, prays to the Lord : “Draw me…” (v.2), “Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth” (v.4). This shows that we need to have a personal and affectionate relationship with our dear Lord Jesus. We should tell the Lord, “Lord, draw me to Yourself. Lord, kiss me with the kisses of Your mouth.” We need to tell the Lord every day, even right now, “Lord Jesus, I love You”. This is to be in the divine romance. May we all give ourselves to love the Lord.