“Peter, an apostle of
Jesus Christ,
to God’s elect, strangers in the world,
scattered throughout 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,
for obedience to Jesus Christ
and sprinkling
by his blood:”
1 Peter 1:1-2
1 Peter 1:1-2
diaspŏra1290 – from 1289;
dispersion, i.e. (spec. and concr.) the (converted) Isr. resident in Gentile
countries: - (which are) scattered (abroad).
diaspĕirō1289 – to sow
throughout, i.e. (fig.) distribute in foreign lands: - scatter abroad.
hupakŏē5218 – attentive
hearkening, i.e. (by impl.) compliance or submission: - obedience, (make)
obedient, obey (-ing).
When
persecution distributed the early church to Gentile countries, it was not an
accident. God was deliberately sowing Abraham’s seed into fertile soil, causing
the church to grow and the Gentiles to be blessed. Like those early Christians,
we have been chosen by God, are being sanctified by the Spirit, and are to obey
Jesus Christ. God may also use things that seem unpleasant at the time to move us
into a position of service prepared for us in advance. He may sow us into a new
job, different neighborhood, or even a different country.
When my
father was transferred to England ,
it was a difficult move for him and Mom. They left children and grandchildren.
I moved out of home for the first time and stayed in Texas . However, I believe the Lord planted
them in Lakenheath to minister to others who were far from home. My parents
were surrogate parents to many air force personnel and stand-in grandparents
for their children. Mother counseled young military wives and made good friends
with her British neighbors as well. Dad served as deacon in a church since he
and mom had walked with the Lord longer than most of the congregation.
Father, help me to “bloom” wherever you
plant me and to be obedient to spread your word to those who desperately need
your saving grace. May my seed continue to be scattered long after I’m gone,
just as the blooms above turn into puff balls of spores that you scatter with
the wind.
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