The first order of business in Peter's desire to help us learn to live well as 'foreigners' in this world is a clear, unambiguous description of the great salvation that God has given to us as a gift.  The first 2 verses of the letter concisely affirms that we are 'chosen 1) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father; 2) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit; 3) to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood'.  In response to this 'Good News', Peter jumps into the body of the letter with a rousing song of praise - verses 3-12.  The key words for each section are: hope (3-5), joy (6-9) and revelation (10-12).  May we, in response to hearing this text understand our salvation more clearly, value it more highly, and celebrate it more fully!
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We are an International Church!  On a normal Sunday morning we have people from every continent in the world (excepting Antarctica!) joining us for worship.  How appropriate for us to carefully read this letter called '1 Peter' which is specifically addressed to a group of 'exiles' or 'foreigners' - people who are living in a land that is not their own.  Peter uses this language both literally and metaphorically - he is writing to people who were actually expatriates, but he also clearly uses that language to call ALL followers of Jesus to live in this world AS IF you are foreigners and strangers who are awaiting their final home.  Much of Peter's language then is to help us a) understand and celebrate our salvation and b) learn how to live well in this world as temporary citizens.  May our hearts be open to hear and respond to these very practical words from Peter!
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