Reading for March 5th

Read 1 Peter 2.4-10. In 2.4-10: Holy Temple in Christ. Suffering challenges belief in God's providence: Jesus' death, moreover, was shameful (Heb 12.2). Peter reinterprets Jesus' death according to Scriptures and invites the addressees to reinterpret their own ambigous situation. In verses 4-8: Despite death, Jesus is a living stone; although rejected, he is exalted. Thus he serves as conerstone (Isa 28.16) and head of the corner (Ps 118.22) of an imperishable new temple. Through crisis and deliverance, believers become like Christ, namely livingstones of a spiritual house and a holy priesthood (2.5, 9). In verses 9-10: Theu enjoy high status, once not a people, they are God's chosen race and God's own people; dishonored here, they will not be put to shame (v. 6) in God's kingdom. Comments or Questions..