Our adult study on Wednesday night was reflecting on 1 Peter as we are making our way through the New Testament. One of the observations I come away with in Peter’s epistle is the solemnity of the faith. It is precious.

The more we talked about this attitude, the more we drew on analogies often found in fantasy, myth or medieval tales, like King Arthur. It’s like the sword of Arthur or the hammer of Thor. To draw it out one must be worthy. And it’s not about being worthy just to get the sword or the hammer, but worthy to live with that instrument. And to hold to faithfulness not just for the sake of yourself, but for the sake of others.

Peter carries a solemnity to the gospel because it is faith that was delivered by many who never got to see the “final product.” But they willingly carried on their search because they served another generation.

The attitude we read in Peter carries us beyond the thought of the gospel being just for “me.” (“Well, I believe in Jesus, so I’m good.”) It’s this sacredness that should deliver to us the call of a king or queen. This sacred “sword” is delivered to us and now we are to carry it wisely. Carry it with honor.

It goes SOOO far beyond the “Jesus is my ‘homeboy’” mentality, or some bumper sticker theology.

Our call is sacred. It is holy. (Peter spends quite a bit of time on that one!)

Pick up the call. Carry the mantle. Live with honor. It is holy.