Blooming in God’s Sight

Isn’t it beautiful out as we see all the new growth coming up and life bursting before our eyes? I love spring and seeing the flowers and green plants shooting up everywhere. I have enjoyed the shoots cuttings of asparagus that we received. Asparagus is so interesting how it seems to sprout out of nowhere. However, it takes years to actually build the root system.

Do you know what the largest organism in the world is? If you guessed the Aspen tree, you are correct. I was shocked to know that. Those large aspen groves in the mountains are often all connected as one large organism. The largest such colony is Pando, in the Fishlake National Forest in Utah. It is over 5 miles long. Amazing!. The aspen groves help keep the sides of the mountains from eroding.

Today, I want to tell you about another amazing structure of which you are a part. It is just as amazing and special as you consider it. It is built by God himself. The Apostle Peters tells us in 2 Peter 2:4-5

1 Peter 2:4–5 — 4 “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

I would encourage you to ponder this passage over the coming days. Maybe print it out or memorize it, discuss it with your family, or talk about it at work or over coffee. Consider what Peter says you are or how your God views you! “Chosen!” “Precious!” “Living Stones!” “Priests!” “Offering sacrifices that ARE acceptable to God!” Yes, those are all terms that Peter is using to describe you, dear Christian!!

Jesus is our life, we know that. He is the Vine; we are the branches. In Jesus, we have life. Peter builds upon this thought by telling us that God brings us to faith, he makes us spiritual building blocks—living stones. We may not appear so special or so alive, but Jesus did not appear so special to the world either. He was rejected by men and crucified by the very same spiritual leaders that should have proclaimed him the long-foretold Savior! Sinful man is dead and blind to what truly is important. But our God has found us lost sinners and given us life, connecting us to Jesus.

Do you hear how precious your life appears to God? He says that all you do now is a spiritual sacrifice, pleasing to him. Remember, God did away with the temple and even the official priesthood. God had a better plan in mind. Jesus has ushered in a new temple. You are those spiritual houses or temples. You are the priests offering acceptable sacrifices. You are the holy people of God speaking for Jesus, loving like Jesus, and being his representatives to the world. Like the beautiful colors of all the different flowers bursting forth, so you bring color, life, and Jesus to the world!

Think of the blessing at the end of worship: “the Lord make his face shine upon you!” God, your heavenly Father is watching and smiling as you live your day-to-day life serving him wherever you are. Peter says you are a holy priesthood. Now, consider:, if we are all connected and have our life coming from Jesus, like one aspen tree connected to a whole colony, consider what a huge living building the church of God is! What a force we are as we live in and by our Savior. Shine, my friends, and blossom where your Lord has planted you! Live to his glory, knowing that you are acceptable through Jesus, your Savior!