Presented May 10, 2020 by Rev. Jesse Larson
Based on 1 Peter 2:2-10
As human beings, we always seem to be struggling with tribalism.
That is, we are always establishing in-groups and out-groups.
You are a Raiders fan or a Niners fan.
You are either a Democrat or a Republican, a Catholic or a Baptist, male or female.
The list goes on and on, and such tribalism is destroying our nation. We know that the many tribes of which we are a part have rigid perimeters, and what makes us insiders or outsiders is based on ascribed or achieved characteristics; you must be a man, you must be white, you must be a member of a country club, etc.
And yet, to become a Christian, the only criteria is that you believe in Jesus Christ. That’s it. It’s great news and we Christians can help to heal our nation and our world.
In today’s passage, Peter explains the benefits and responsibilities of what it means to join this special group of people. Peter affirms that his hearers are now part of the people that God chose to be the primary witness to his love in the world. We are chosen, or elected in “Presbyterian speak,” not because of our merits, but solely on account of God’s undying love for us. Everyone who receives adoption into God's people enters that new life by grace alone.
Throughout much of today’s passage, Peter uses the metaphor of stones to illustrate to believers our unique relationship to Christ as his followers. For Christians, God’s divine presence is not a geographical location or a building but human beings. Christ is the cornerstone of this new “temple” and we, his disciples, are the “living stones” who cluster around him to form the house of God.
In other words, it is by the life of the Christian community—when it remains faithful to its founder—that the world discovers the identity of God and enters into a relationship with God.
This is why it is so important for Christians to live in such a way that we reveal an authentic image of the invisible God.
Do we cultivate a culture of hospitality or one of exclusivity?
Do we put our energy into ministry or do we put our energy into maintaining our facility?
We express God’s love for us by the love we share—through kindness and caring, through humility and inclusion, through forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation, through efforts for peace and justice. Ultimately, we become “living stones” when we put our faith into action, and when we engage and grow our faith. “They will know we are Christians by our love!”
Peter also explains that we also become living stones for our cornerstone by sharing the unique gifts that God has blessed us with. When it comes to our polity, we, Presbyterians, are quite familiar with the concept of the priesthood of all believers. (Raise your hand if you’ve been asked to serve on a committee!)
We know that the responsibility of running a church falls upon all of our shoulders. But Paul’s concept goes much further than how it relates to our polity. There is not a hierarchy of those who "understand" God or are somehow closer to God. One of the great victories of the early reformers was the gift of ensuring that all believers could read, study, and interpret scripture for ourselves. We are all theologians, as we all reflect about God, ask questions, and seek answers.
As you get to know me, you will come to understand the unique gifts I bring to the ministry as well as my shortcomings. I can only accomplish so much but, thankfully, it’s not up to just me. It’s not up to just Session. It’s not up to just you. All who believe are the royal priesthood. The responsibility to grow in discipleship and to share our faith rests upon all of us alike.
These are the promises we make in baptism; that we are in this together and we will help one another grow in faith.
We all know how special our community is because of the wonderful people who are part of it! We all have special stories to share, and amazing gifts to bring to the table. As we move forward in our time together, even during this time of social isolation, I hope that during worship and in other formats, we’ll all have the opportunity to hear about one another’s faith journeys; if you join us for our Zoom worship immediately following this service, Rev. Judy Davis will be sharing a special story. We all have stories of hope to share with one another—so let’s do it! Especially in a time when we can get overwhelmed by the fear and brokenness of the world.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on your shortcomings.
All of the “insider groups” try to tell us we don’t fit in so we tend to want to keep quiet. To not trust ourselves or our gifts.
And there are so many voicing declaring that we aren’t good enough. That we don’t have what it takes.
But these voices don’t matter. We are precious in God’s sight.
For the people who walk in the light of God, you matter so very much. We are fearfully and wonderfully made and perfect in God’s eyes.
Peter declares that we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.
Like Christ, we are worthy!
We are enough!
And it is our duty to share the gifts we have been given with others. That’s what Christ asks of us—to pass it on. Amen.
