Scattered

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” (1 Peter 1:1 KJV)

“… Strangers scattered…” The ESV version uses the phrase, “…exiles of the Dispersion…”. We can read more about this scattering in Acts 8. It’s definitely a situation that no one wants to be in. I applaud the way Peter begins this letter because it offers a very important and much needed perspective for the very people who are in this present scattering. It gives us a chance to reflect on the fact that it is God who is working at this moment though we are standing in any of the cities listed that doesn’t include our home town in that list. We can also be thankful that we had a chance to sell off and put to good use the properties that we had prior to being chased out. There are so many good things that the Lord has prepared with a solid “foreknowledge” that at times we need a reminder, like the one Peter is providing, that his grace and peace will be multiplied. Even if that is something that we may not see until God is further along in growing this transplant seed.

Peter also uses terms like “inheritance”, “in heaven”, “salvation”, “faith”, “glory”, and “joy” to season his reminder that we are now out and about the Father’s business and not our own. The rewards are very real. They simply may not look like the income that we would otherwise have in mind. It is a further reminder that because our previous home is behind us, it is not a time to be slack in what we are doing now. We have much to accomplish here and now.

“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:4 KJV)