1 Peter 2:8 (NIV)
8 and, “A stone that causes people to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also
what they were destined for.
To those who respond in faith, the Stone is “precious,” just
as it is precious to God. But to those who reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah,
He becomes a stumbling block. Peter compares the response of unbelievers to
Christ with the disobedience of the people of Israel and Judah. God became
their source of judgment rather than their salvation. Peter, writing to God’s
elect, admonishes them to be rid of all deceit and hypocrisy, envy and slander.
He reminds them that they are being built into a “spiritual house” that will be
evidenced by offering spiritual sacrifices.
Does your life reflect your belief that Jesus Christ is a
precious treasure? What spiritual sacrifices have you been offering Him? Peter
identifies spiritual sacrifices as a declaration of praises to God for bringing
us out of darkness and into His light. Recently, a beautiful young woman gave
birth to a baby boy. He is struggling with an illness, fighting for his little
life. Jesus is precious to her and she clings to Him as she continues to praise
and worship her Lord. For those who do not know Christ, it is difficult to
understand her faith. Jesus is a stumbling block to them, and yet so very
precious to her!
Thoughts for today: What causes you to stumble in your spiritual
life? Are you able to declare praises to God even when things are difficult in
your life? The Lord becomes precious to us as we learn to trust Him in all
circumstances. What do you need to praise Him for today?
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