I Peter 1:1-2
“I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!”
“This letter if from Peter, and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chose people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holt. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.”
Persecution disbursed Christians throughout the Roman empire and Peter writes to encourage them. His opening message assures each individual they and their circumstances are known to God. Whenever in a large, crowded arena I am amazed at God knowing each of the thousands of people present and his longing for relationship with them. And, he feels this way towards every person ever born. God loves them and so must I. He has not left me to do this on my own. His Spirit in me smooths the way, instructs and changes me. The Lord both raises the bar and grows longer legs on me that I can leap over it for his service. It is a great privilege and I am grateful.
Lord, thank you for calling me to yourself, and shaping me to your purpose. How can it be you know and love me amidst so many others? Help me to serve you well and love you better.