Thursday 04 June 2009
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
"Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation ... But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." (v.2, 9)
Background
The writer of this passage was instructing the Christian readersto earnestly desire the pure and unadulterated word of God. Thiswas referred to as "spiritual milk", urging them to drink deeply ofGod's word. Babies need milk to grow and in order to stay alive: tobe well nourished and healthy. Today, mothers are encouraged tobreastfeed their children because research has shown that this canmake them less vulnerable to diseases.
The word of God can be likened to immunisation, or a wonder drugthat helps overcome the various attacks and challenges that face usall - "I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according toyour word" (Psalm 119:107).
The undiluted word of God is what will continue to give life to aChristian and help them to grow to spiritual maturity. This growthcan be achieved by thirsting and yearning for God's guidance - "Theunfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding tothe simple" (Psalm 119:130).
In today's culture people crave for the tastiest chocolates, thenewest movies, the fastest cars, the latest computer games, queuingup in shops hours before their release. As milk is central to thegrowth of a baby, the word of God is key to the fullness ofChristianity.
The writer emphasises that the believer has been selected. They areGod's own special people. They are to show forth the wonderfuldeeds of God that have brought them out of darkness - out of a lifewhich alienated them from God. Every believer has the privilege andresponsibility of direct access to God in the New Testament.
The writer of 1 Peter refers to his readers as strangers in theworld, telling them to abstain from sinful and evil desires: thepassions of the flesh that contended with their soul. They wereinstructed to conduct themselves in an honourable manner amongstthemselves, and amongst those who did not believe.
Christ-like character would result in praise to God.
To Ponder
How do you identify a matured or maturingChristian?
What are your cravings that have taken the placeof God and God's word in your life?
Does the word of God have the final say in yourdecisions?