Verse
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Thought
“Sanctifying work of the Spirit” sounds so formal and religious. Some translations put, “his Spirit has made you holy.” But even that really doesn’t capture the essence of it for me. What I believe Peter is trying to tell us is that our souls were like an old stained rag we use to clean up messes in the garage. When the Spirit comes into our lives, he takes this stained rag and he cleans it, makes it new, and gives it incredible value. Instead of being the rag for messes in the garage, it is now the tablecloth reserved for special occasions and special guests. The Holy Spirit of God takes our broken, stained, and battered souls and makes them clean, new, and valuable — not just for us, but for God. This concept is crucial because it is repeated several times in the Bible (Rom. 15:16; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 Thes. 5:23; 2 Thes. 2:13; Heb. 10:29; 1 Pet. 1:2).
Prayer
Make me new, Lord God. Make me new and holy and valuable to you through the work of your Holy Spirit. Forgive, cleanse, and make precious my heart so that I can bring you glory and live for your honor. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.