I Peter 2:4-17
Dear RTB’ers,
Yesterday I commented on the word “exile”, which the NASB had translated as “stay on earth”. Peter continues that analogy today, Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles… (v. 11a) The NASB has foreigners and strangers in place of sojourners and exiles. All four words suggest temporary residence. I like Peter’s sense that we do not belong here, but that Heaven is our true home. But then again, with the faith that we share, what we are living in our faith is something like “Heaven on earth”.
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by Him … Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (vv. 13-14a, 17) Beginning with Truman and now with Trump, I have lived during seven Democratic presidents and seven Republican presidents. I have lauded some and scorned others. But wherever my biases (or economic theory!) take me, from the time I first read Peter’s words (noted above) I have prayed for our country and our president. God is God and I am not. As Mark Bruner is fond of saying, “God is not up there wringing His hands” over national or worldwide situations. He has it under control!
Blessings!
See also: November 16 (2021) / I Peter 2:1-25