1 Peter 1:1-9

1 Peter 1:1-9

We tend to like complete or safe categories. “This item belongs in this box.” We tend not to like the things or circumstances of the “both/and” type. These are hard to put in a cozy comfortable space . But it is in these areas of “both/and” that we find tension, it is in the tension that we struggle, and we talk, and most importantly we learn. We don't do that with things that are in neat, tidy boxes. No one has ever had a heartfelt discussion about 2+2=4, but with questions like, “If God loves me, why am I suffering so profoundly?” We can have deep conversations. It is in this tension of ”both/and” that we grow in our faith and our discipleship. For example “I am both loved and allowed to suffer” is a compelling challenge to think, to learn, and to know God at a deeper level.

As we read this passage carefully and slowly, we see tension popping up. Peter begins this letter with this kind of “both/and” tension. Peter begins with the tension of being God's people but not in the old way of being His people. In verse one he uses three terms that were technical terms for Jewish people: “chosen” or “elect”, “sojourners” or “aliens”, and the “dispersion” or “scattered”. But these terms are now applied to people who were not Jewish. These believers are “both” the people of God “and” not in the traditional way. In verses 3-5 we see this wonderful description of the living hope that we enjoy. This hope of life is “both” reserved for us in heaven, “and” it is also to be lived out here and now.  What tension! We are told, in verse 5, that we are “both” protected, “and” then, in verse 6, we find that we are distressed by various trials. Which is it? Are we protected, or facing trials? The answer is yet “both” protected “and” in trials!

Our tendency is to go through the Bible looking for the promises of what we might call the "good stuff," such as hope, blessing, etc. We tend not to pay attention to the harsh realities of being a Christian. But that approach will leave us shallow and weak and unprepared when difficulties do come. Between the categories we might call good or bad, there's a place where we wrestle with the tension, and it is there that our best character is forged and formed. The salvation of our souls mentioned in verse 9 is more than the immediate forgiveness that comes at conversion. It includes the refining and reshaping that comes from the difficulties of the hardships and the tensions we work through. We are saved by grace, and part of that grace is tension.

“Lord, thank you for the struggles and the tensions of living the faith. AMEN”