MAY 1, 2023 – PILGRIMS­

READ: 1 Peter. 1:1-7

… To the pilgrims of the Dispersion .., elect according to the fore­knowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, … , – 1 Pet. 1:1-2

Our life on earth can be compared to a journey through life, that we, as children of God, may undertake under His calling and guidance. Christ leads us in this journey, with the ultimate goal being the heaven­ly Canaan, the new heaven and earth, where righteousness dwells: our homeland. In his first letter, Peter calls the readers “elected pilgrims”. This refers to Christians, both Jews and Gentiles, who are scattered throughout the world. 

Why are they called pilgrims? Because earth is not their homeland. Even though Christ rules the world, there is still another power on earth, namely the adversary, the prince of darkness and death. Many in the world follow this adversary. The members of the church are called pilgrims because they are in the world, but not of the world. They have been redeemed as elect from darkness and transferred to the kingdom of grace and of Christ.

Being  a Christian pilgrim points to an extremely valuable privilege. You are elected, called and set apart to follow Christ. You are on the way to eternal salvation. But you are also exposed to suffering and oppression from the world, because the world does not want to know and follow Christ. 

There are many temptations to give up your foreignness and to follow the world. Peter points the readers to their election according to the foreknowledge of God, before the world was created. He reminds them of their sanctification: they are set apart in the world to be dedicated to God by the Holy Spirit. And finally, he points to the blood of Christ, through which they are purchased and cleansed from sin and guilt. All of this makes them pilgrims or strangers who follow Christ and may receive His grace and peace

What does it mean that you are a pilgrim here?.

Singing: Ps. 69:11