Elect Exiles

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

“To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ..:

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while,.. you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:1-9

Exile: The condition or period of being forced to live away from one’s native country or home, especially as a punishment; one who lives away from one’s native country, whether because of expulsion or voluntary absence.

Elect: To pick out; select; to decide, especially by preference.

Elect exile. Is Peter’s description an oxymoron? What God would choose His beloveds only to have them live in exile? Or would choose those deserving of punishment as His own, guaranteeing an imperishable inheritance? A God of grace! He sets His affection on renegades and choses them to know Him and receive a better life, a heavenly communion, glory! As Jesus condescended to open the way for us to be assured of heaven, we are put here on earth to become acquainted with Him and be fit for that everlasting home. He never intended that we feel completely at ease in the temporary here below because we were made for eternity with Him. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

In this season of tension as elect exiles, He imparts grace and peace. He spreads us abroad to dwell in different places and testify to His goodness across His world. He trains us through obedience, granting fulfillment and blessing as we’re continually being sanctified. He tries our faith through trials, and works in us compassion for the suffering and servanthood and friendship through shared difficulties and sorrows.

When we’re riddled with cares, do we recall who cares for us? When overrun by physical or emotional breakdown, how are we remembering and holding to the Redeemer’s promises? When tested by troubles, and God’s purpose is invisible, how strong is our faith to see His steadfast love and goodness? (1 Peter 5:7)

Have we grown too at home in the world, conforming to its passions and habits? How might the Lord be training us to wean ourselves from its props to hope in the sure future He’s preparing? (John 14:1-3; Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:1-4)

Lord, by Your grace may I never forget, rather constantly rejoice, that You have chosen me for a better home, eternal heavenly communion, the fruition of my hope. (Colossians 1:27; Hebrews 11:15-16)