What joy comes to my heart when I read this and see that even in times of severe trouble my God knows all about it and is entirely in control. These people “in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia” were not experiencing much joy at the moment. Much like me when I am in the midst of my own troubles. So, Peter is led by the Spirit to remind them and us of who we are and what hope we have in Jesus.
It says that they were “elect exiles” They were chosen to be exiled. All for the glory of God and the spread of the Gospel. My troubles may seem like they are producing nothing in this world. But God uses the tough things for His glory and the spread of the Gospel.
How can he do that? Because everything is “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…” this all from a loving Father that cares for His children everywhere.
This process is called being sanctified or being made holy. “Sanctification of the Spirit” is a lifelong process for us as believers. Think of our growth in holiness being put on a graph. Our lives should always be trending up indicating more holiness. And this is “not of ourselves” (Ephesians 2:8) but is the work of the third person of the Trinity who sanctifies me. Progressive sanctification is a continual work of the Spirit in me.
Evidence of my relationship with God the Father through the “sprinkling” of “Jesus Christ’s blood…” is the sanctification process working out my salvation through “obedience”.
“Grace and peace” will “be multiplied to you” as we are being sanctified.
Notice all three of the members of the Godhead are in this passage. They work together for our personal holiness, obedience and peace. And it is all by “grace”.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for this wonderful reminder that You will never leave us and that everything in our lives is being worked out for our good and for your glory.
By Rick Cleaver