To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, (I Peter 1:1,2 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Be Remembered
I once visited a church that I had attended long before. I walked into the building a bit early, expecting to stand by myself. The previous few days had been chaotic… some things had not gone particularly well… and I was willing to wallow in my self-pity… on my own. The troubles had been pushed away, even overcome. But in the aftermath, I was willing to feel alone.
But God had a different message for me. Almost everyone who came in the door remembered me. Even faces that I did not recall smiled and welcomed me. I might have felt like an exile: alone with my memories. But in that church body I was remembered.
Loneliness sometimes follows times of trouble, even when the problems are resolved. But Peter wrote his book to folk in exile. Peter wrote encouragement to those who had overcome danger and now were perhaps too willing to be alone. Peter reminded them that the God who helped, fixed, and conquered had not left them alone.
Knowing what He was doing, He sent them to new homes… and followed up with a letter. Written by Peter’s hand, yes. But written by their heavenly father to them, personally.
He told them that He remembered them. Even in exile, they were the apple of His eye.
It is true for God’s people today, too. He has not forgotten you, either. Whether you are still in the midst of fearful things, or are in the often difficult aftermath… you are not alone. God remembers you.
Fear Not… Then be remembered