suffered, and called, for a reason

…”And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame (Isaiah 28:16).”
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22),”
and
“A stone of stumbling
and a rock of offense (Isaiah 8:14),”
They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
-- 1 Peter 2:6-10

(written December 7, 2005)