Rev. Ruth Harrison, Chaplain

Providence Hospice, South Holland, IL.

1 Peter 2:9

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Called Out of Darkness 

Four-year old Grace was waddling in a pond when she was suddenly sucked into a drain once plugged with debris. Fortunately, for Grace, her father knew the drain flowed into a nearby river. He and his wife, along with a few passersby, ran to the outlet 150 feet away. Grace finally appeared, sputtering and crying, in the swollen river. Her father was able to grasp her and, with the others, help her to safety.!

What a rescue that was! Grace was unable to save herself from certain death. Yet, her (F) father was there to snatch her out of the dark, cold trap and bring her to the light. She would not be totally swept away, for her Father’s hand of mercy was with her, even while she struggled to make it 150 feet to safety. He guided her to the opening so that she could freely breathe the ‘breath of life’. 

Many of us know what it feels like to be trapped. And many of us can remember life/death stories that have changed us and caused us to praise the Lord? In this scripture, Peter challenges us to remember who we are. We are a chosen people called out of darkness by the Blood of Jesus the Christ! 

So, as we go through the tumbles and currents of life, when there is darkness all around, when you feel trapped, remember the power and presence of Jesus the Christ is always with you. It was His strong arms that saved us years ago, and His strong arms that save us right now! It was His feet that sunk deep into death that keeps us from being swept away. And, it was His resurrection that keeps us hopeful, in anticipation, of what a gracious and loving Savior will continue to do for us! 

Prayer 

Gracious God, we thank You for snatching us from the darkness, choosing us, and for enfolding us in Your arms.  We cannot praise You enough for Your mighty acts of grace, mercy, and love toward us.  We bless Your name this day and forever more! Amen.

Thought for the day 

Let us be repulsed by any power that attempts to keep us down!