So as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:4-5 NET
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable. A metaphor can be used to represent or symbolize something else, particularly something abstract. In this instance, Peter employs a combination of three metaphors to demonstrate the operational principles of the body of Christ (another metaphor). Jesus is the living stone, selected by God despite human rejection. This rejected stone represents God’s chosen method for reaching humanity. The same nature is bestowed upon those who believe. Each believer plays an integral role in the overall structure.
Here is who you are:
- You are a living stone. You have been brought to life through Him, and while the world may not recognize your value, you are of great importance to God. He employs you to further His objectives. You represent His chosen method of operating in the world.
- You are part of a house God is building. The aggregation of living stones in right relation to the cornerstone turns into a stable abode for the Presence of God in the earth.
- You are part of a holy priesthood. Not only are you part of the building, you are also part of a team that offers spiritual sacrifices through God to the Father. What a joy!
We are individually alive in Him. We are corporately much more than that . We are His dwelling place and His priests. Our collective ability goes way beyond the sum of our individual parts. We serve together. It’s Sunday. How about we do our priestly duty and offer spiritual sacrifices in the House of God. The first sacrifice each of us must offer is his or her body. Given what He did for us, it’s only reasonable.
Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service.
(Romans 12:1 NET)
Lord, here am I. Use me as you will, not as I will. Let us do our reasonable service.
pastorvirgil.com 