In ladies Bible class, we have been studying the epistle of First Peter. Peter writes in this epistle to those who have been scattered abroad by persecution, particularly, those who have been born again through the redemption of the blood of Christ and struggling to be faithful to the Christ. He encourages them to stand steadfast and remain faithful even in adverse situations.
In chapter two of this great book, Peter calls attention to the fact that these Christians, through their new birth, have left behind the things of the world, malice, guile, hypocrisy, envying, and evil speaking. He then encourages these Christians to drink the honest milk of the word so that they can grow in their faith. If they continue to grow, they will be part of the spiritual house of God as living stones. Their edification, however, is based upon the foundation of Christ, and their acknowledgement of His preciousness.
When we think of the word “precious” we think of something which has inherent value, worth, is highly prized and rarely obtained. In the movie and book series, “Lord of the Rings,” those who are taken with the “one ring” often refer to it as “precious.” The devotion that these characters display to the ring reflects their servitude and misguided zeal toward it. When speaking the word “precious” (in regard to the ring) they reveal love, devotion, zeal, and jealousy in their desire for it. While the ring represents something which is evil, do we have the same love, devotion, and zeal toward that which we know is good? The Bible says that Jesus is indeed precious to us who are born again to righteousness, edification, and sanctification.
In 1 Peter 2:7 we have this statement, “Unto you therefore which believe He is precious.” Is Jesus precious to you? Do you value Him like you would value your most prized possession?
Jesus is precious to me because His blood is precious. 1 Peter 1:19 says that we were not redeemed with corruptible things “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” This is the blood that paid the price for my sins and bought me back from perdition (1 Cor.6:20). This is the blood that purchased the church (Acts 20:28). This is the blood that speaks greater things than that of Abel (Heb.12:24). The blood of Jesus ought to be precious in the sight of every Christian.
Jesus is precious to me because His faith is precious to me. 2 Peter 1:1 reads, “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” This is faith that comes from the one true faith, the gospel (Col.1:23). This is the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). This is the faith that comes by hearing the word of God (Rom.10:17). The faith of Jesus ought to be precious in the sight of every Christian.
Jesus is precious to me because His people are precious. 1 Peter 2:9 reads, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Does this not say that God considers those who are born again, who believe in His Son, and who hold Jesus as precious, are precious people themselves? The people of God are certainly precious to God. They are precious because they are His children (Gal.4:6,7). They are precious because they are His friends (John 15:15). They are precious because they are Jesus’ bride (Eph.5:25). Jesus considers his people precious and because of that every Christian ought to praise God day and night for His great love.
Is Jesus your precious?