Foreigner!
“I am writing to you Church of the Chimes folks who are living as foreigners in Silicon Valley.”
Although not a direct quote from Peter himself, this statement certainly correlates to the striking introduction to 1 Peter, with much relevance for us!
The label of “foreigner” is often accompanied by a negative connotation – kind of a “you don’t belong here” feeling. While this is part of the intended message, Peter is conveying something much more captivating – a concept of familial identity. This truth becomes clear as we study Peter’s actual introduction to this very rich letter to the Christian churches in Asia Minor:
I am writing to God’s chosen 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 holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:1-2
So yes, you are a foreigner…and yes, you are family! If you’re like me, perhaps you’re feeling a bit better – or at least a touch more comfortable – with this broadened view. As God’s chosen, you have a priceless inheritance beyond the reach of change and decay (1:4). What Good News! Yet especially here, be careful to capture the complete context. Peter was intentional in the ingredients of his introduction, and he is preparing you to receive a very real (not comfortable) message.
Foundationally, you have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. This is what makes you holy (set apart, chosen, a family member) in God’s sight. As such, you are expected to be obedient to (with reverent fear of) your Heavenly Father. Often your obedience to the Father will run fully counter to Silicon Valley values. As a result, expect to feel like some kind of temporary resident, and on some level, expect to have your perceived rights impinged.
Do you feel like a foreigner in Silicon Valley?
If so, good! You are called to embrace your identity even if (especially when) you meet with resistance or trials in this fallen valley. As you seek to obey the Lord, the sufferings you encounter are a delivery vehicle for God’s grace specifically for you (5:12)! vSo, be the foreigner you are expected to be! And rest in the secure knowledge of your fully paid (with Christ’s blood) membership in God’s family.
You are hereby a duly appointed Foreign Ambassador to Silicon Valley! In this constantly challenging, life-long post, may God give you more and more grace and peace. Amen!