Devotion for Wednesday, 4 May 2011 Anno Domini

Devotion for Wednesday, 4 May 2011 Anno Domini
“1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:1-10)
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking.” This is simple counsel, yet greatly disregarded by many in the church. Do we bear malice toward any one of our fellows? We must rid ourselves of such an unwanted bondage if we would approach Christ and man in a right way. Do we make pretentions of righteousness which are not real? Do we pray in ways to impress the audience rather than to implore the grace of God? Are we envious and jealous of the others. As old hens on the barnyard run to peck at the heads of chicklets when they find a grain of corn, do we abhor the generosity and good service of others in the church. And what of gossip? Do we speak ill of others and pass along rumors? Suppose, instead, we edify and build up one another in the service of God? If we all did so, would not the church be filled with more beautiful hearts and happy smiles of people who are now encouraged, not discouraged, to be their best for Christ and His people?
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” Newborn babies crave milk. It is the best nutrition for them. It would be unlikely that a newborn baby would want tea. Newborn babies are single minded in their cravings – milk, and more of it! The newborn in Christ begin with great hunger to crave the Word of God and more of it. Romance novels will not satisfy, neither will the Wall Street Journal – only the Word of God in its pure form will suffice their cravings. How many churches simply solicit a single confession of faith in Christ and forget to nurture daily. Without daily milk, the baby will perish! But given the best of its mother’s milk, the baby will grow strong and be immune to common diseases. “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” His Grace removes heavy burdens and builds strong bones of faith! Partake of His Grace daily and be fed!
“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious.” Living Stone: I love the beauty of this metaphor! When no man will befriend, and even your mother cast you out, the Lord will take you up and love you! A ‘living stone’ to God is more than precious diamonds and rubies (which live not). “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” (Psalms 27:10). That which is cast in the draught by men is held to the breast of the Lord and loved.
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” This is the very Body of Christ described. His Temple is not of dead and unfeeling stones, but of stones, individually crafted and shaped, for a prepared place in His Living Temple. No intercessor is required, for they have privilege to come directly to the throne of Grace and be heard. What are those sacrifices desired of God? “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalms 51:17). These come without cost or labor. Not our works, not our perfect gifts – but something broken – a Broken Heart!
“Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” A Great Cornerstone, indeed, is this Chief Cornerstone! This is the cornerstone that gives definition and support to the entire building. It is more than a stone – it is the Great Rock from which all other living stones derive and the Rock that followed the Children of Israel in the Wilderness. (1 Corinthians 10:4). If we be Living Stones from the Great Rock, though small and irregular, we will bear the nature of the mother stone. “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” There is no greater treasure to the believer than Christ, yet He is most hated by the rebellious world who rejects His Lordship in their lives. Rather than being received as a Light on the dark seas, Christ is a stone of stumbling and offense to the unbeliever. They are appointed to this stumbling for their unbelief. They crash on the rocks and reefs because they have not observed the great Lighthouse of the Soul. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” People who are peculiar are quite persistent in their peculiarity! As solid stones, they are immovable. They are chosen for a purpose, and they KNOW it! They stumble not for they walk in the Light of the Sun! Though we were of no account in times past, we are now the Israel of God, of the Seed according to the Promise of God – and we have received His Mercy. Have you?