260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 224 - 1 Peter 2: Therefore, Living Legos, Royalty & Submission

I love building things. And for me, growing up it was Lincoln Logs. Brown notched out logs, red roof beams & green slats all together to form buildings. Then came Legos – colorful, multi-shaped pieces which transformed every 8 year old boy into a building machine! Yeah…..even though they were “after my time” as a kid, I still keep a box in my office to help with creativity! In this chapter, Jesus is referred to as the “Prime Lego” of a spiritual building in which all of us are a part. Before we get there though, we’re reminded to put into practice chapter 1. 1-3: “Therefore” – because God has given believers new birth into a living hope, with an incredible inheritance, we are to live differently. We are to “rid” ourselves of old ways of living and instead “crave” the things of God! 4-8: Living Legos: The cornerstone was an important stone that held two rows of stones together in a corner. Once it was in place, the rest of the building was determined. The capstone is the most important part of the building. It completes, strengthens and unifies the walls. Without it, the walls would be weak. Jesus is THE Living Stone (Lego). Unbelievers are the builders. Believers are living stones as well – chosen, precious and at times, rejected. 9-10: These verses say believers are Royalty! How awesome to be the King’s kid!~ And with a purpose, “that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 11-12: Our loyalty to God is seen in our actions, how we live this life God has given us. By doing so, it silences the critics and points people to God. 13-21: Submission is one of life’s paradoxes. The sin nature in all of us battles to do what we want, yet it is in submission that we can truly live! Here, Peter says that as we submit to authorities and suffer, we are commended by God! 22-25: There is no greater example of submission & suffering that that of our Lord! To be totally innocent and say nothing requires incredible restraint and trust in God – all of which Jesus demonstrated. SO WHAT?! *This passage teaches us that we are part of spiritual building. Where do you see yourself: The supporting beams? A wall? The roof? How is your role in the body helping “hold things together”? *We also read that God has “called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” In what dark rooms of your life has God “turned on a light”? What will you do about it? *Of all the authorities in your life, which ones do you have the hardest time submitting to? Will you ask God for humility & strength to obey? *Finally, take out that box of Legos & build something today with this passage in mind! A cheerful heart is good medicine!