1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. For “Those who desire to love life and to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NRSVUE)
At 5:30 a.m. the day after Christmas, I couldn’t pull myself away from our dining room window. I stood warming my hands on a steaming mug of coffee and stared at the stars. I pondered how distant, fixed, ancient, and countless they were, suspended in the dark expanse of space. They seemed alien and otherworldly, but strangely near and communicative. The only words I could muster were, How? Wow.
That distance- between what feels unreachable and what feels intimate- mirrors the way hope often feels. The substance of our hope can feel as far as the stars. And it can be disorienting and agonizing to trust in hopes not yet materialized. But this is the space faith inhabits- the tension between God’s promises, what we confess, and what is presently seen.
We confess God dwells among us and the rule of God is present and unfolding. We believe God has begun renewing creation- that evil and death don’t have the final word. We trust the proud will fall, the humble will rise, and the brokenhearted will inherit the earth. But is that our lived experience?
When the distance between God’s promises and our experience grows, another kingdom begins to feel more familiar- one marked by power, greed, deception, vengeance, and favoritism. This kind of “wisdom” does not come from God, but reflects the fallen world order- one that acknowledges no rule other than itself.
In contrast, God’s kingdom names weakness and poverty as strengths, not liabilities. As Peter writes, it is marked by unity, compassion, love, a tender heart, and humility. It seeks peace and practices justice and impartiality. Its people long, hope, and ache as they wait for its fullness.
We have tasted and glimpsed this kingdom, but it can seem distant and otherworldly. In a way, it is, because it comes down from God. Yet it takes root here. It is earthy without being earthly. Earthy because this is the space God is filling and will fill- the place where evil will be vanquished and creation liberated. Earthy because Jesus descended into our dust, so that our bodies can be raised like his.
At 7:30 a.m., the sun rose over the horizon. It colored the countryside pink, purple, and blue. Two hours earlier, the darkness was vast and enveloping. But it did not overcome the light. The dawn of a new age has broken into the fallen world order and it will push it out. How? Wow.
Questions for Reflection:
- What’s a recent experience where God’s kingdom seemed far off? Was there a way of being or approaching that experience that seemed healthy?
- As you wait for God’s kingdom to come in fullness, what practices help you live in the light of dawn rather than the darkness of night?
Prayer:
Lord, Thank you for honoring us and creation by redeeming, healing and restoring. When hope feels distant, remind us your kingdom is near. Help us trust in the place beyond our emptiness and live as people of humility and love. Amen.
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