January 10, 2009 (1 Peter 2:1-9)

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light… 1 Peter 2:8 KJV

You may be wondering why we’ve got a reading from 1 Peter today. The reason is the January 10th is a little known holiday called “Peculiar People Day.” It’s intended as a day to honor uniquely different people. Before you ask, I have no idea where this holiday came from, nor who started it. (From the basis of what I could find on-line, no one else seems to know either.) True, we could simply dismiss Peculiar People Day as simply the latest attempt by the greeting card industry (henceforth to be referred to as “Big Greeting Card”) to sell something.

The good new is that I’m not asking you to buy anything. Rather, I’m asking whether anyone else could legitimately send you a card today. Just how “peculiar” are we modern American Christians? What sets us apart? The people to whom Peter wrote cut a stark and contrasting figure alongside their contemporaries. The Christians of the early centuries were known for their non-violence, the respect they accorded women, the value they placed upon human life, their integrity, et al. In essence, they took to heart what Jesus said: Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (Jn. 13:35)

What do our neighbors see when they look at us?

What does the homosexual who lives next door see when she looks at you: a bigot who would just as soon vomit as speak to her; or someone who always demonstrates love and hospitality—despite they fact that you will not endorse her lifestyle?

What do the “at risk” kids who get coats at your church clothing drives see when they look at you: someone who genuinely cares about them (even though they may have spikes in their body and listen to music that sounds like some form of aural torture; or someone who is polite to them at the church building because other people are looking, but would not welcome their company at the Friday night football game?

What do your fellow Christians see when they look at you: someone who volunteers to transport them back and forth to the doctor while their car is broken; or someone who merely occupies the other end of their pew on Sundays and says little beyond: “Hello. How are you?”

If you and I are the “living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple” (2:5) What does that say about God’s temple? Is it a spacious marble mansion, or a mere shanty of cardboard and discarded pallet wood?

-- Justin

For Everyone: Does Anybody Hear Her?