A new year means a new you, right? Out with the old. In with the new! New potential. A fresh start. A clean slate.

We love the idea of pushing the restart button and getting a “do-over.” At least that’s what we’re led to believe.

But what if we are exactly where we’re supposed to be? What if we are doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing? What if the only change that needs to be made is to see God’s design from God’s perspective?

Peter knew that was exactly what the early Christians needed, so he wrote them a letter of encouragement we know as 1 Peter. Scattered throughout Asia Minor, God’s people were exiles. Because of their different culture, food, work, customs, political views, and religion they were “suffering grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6). They were treated with ridicule, suspicion, and even persecution. I don’t care who you are, every exile is looking for a fresh start.

We might think Peter would encourage them to “blend in.” “Create the new you!” “Captain your ship, just don’t rock the boat!”

Instead, Peter greets them with grace and peace in Jesus. He lifts their eyes beyond the present circumstance to the future inheritance waiting for them in heaven. He reminds them their hope is “living” because it was bought with the precious blood of Christ. And he encourages them to continue living as strangers by setting their minds on the grace to be revealed when Jesus comes instead of conforming to the world around them.

Why?

Because there was much more going on than these Christians could see from their limited and isolated perspective. God was building something, and they were a part of it.

Just like Jesus, who was chosen from before the creation of the world to be the cornerstone and foundation of their faith, the exiles were also—like living stones, being built into a spiritual house. This spiritual house was like the temple in Jerusalem where God’s presence dwelt.

The Christians would have clearly understood Peter’s message to them: With Jesus as your cornerstone, you are the living stones God is using to build his house. You. Exiles God has called holy, chosen, and precious because of Jesus. You, the priesthood of believers, are uniquely placed, but lovingly set together, as the house where God will dwell. And by living God’s way, as strangers in a godless world, you are showing him to the world around you!

They didn’t need to change anything or reinvent themselves. They were exactly where God wanted them to be for his kingdom to be built and his salvation revealed.

How?

By repaying evil with blessing and wrongdoing with humility and compassion. By serving others. By suffering for bearing God’s name. By submitting to corrupt governors because God gives authority. By working hard for unfair bosses. By offering hospitality without grumbling. By living Godly lives despite the ridicule and hardship. By not conforming to the world. By living for God.

They would be different than the world around them. But in doing so, they would point to Jesus.

We need that same encouragement today. The world we live in is as foreign to God’s kingdom as it was 2,000 years ago. We suffer grief in all kinds of trials at work, from unbelieving friends and neighbors, while raising children whose friend’s parents have different standards, when making sacrificial priorities with time, treasures, and talents, or suffering difficulty for bearing the name of Jesus. When we do these things as God’s children, we look different than most people around us.

And Peter’s encouragement in 1 Peter is for us as well. His message to us: There’s a bigger picture than what you can see. Because your faith is founded on the living Stone—you also, like living stones are being built into a spiritual house. You are where God dwells. And when you give thanks to Jesus by the way you live, you show the world who God is.

That’s God’s design for every Christian and the perspective we have as aliens and strangers in the world around us.

It was important enough for Peter to write a letter to the early Christians 2,000 years ago. And it’s important enough for us to give it time for thoughtful mediation today—and in the new year ahead.

You don’t need a fresh start or to become the new you. Since you are founded on the Living Stone, you are exactly where you should be, doing exactly what you were meant to be doing. You are a living stone! You are being built into God’s spiritual house. By living different than the world around you, you are thanking Jesus.

And in doing so, you are showing God to the world.

The Great Goodbyes.

These words have tenderly flown from my heart during a farewell hug. You know about these types of goodbyes too—they can be powerful moments. Some goodbyes are especially memorable because they signal a change in what will happen. 

Scripture is filled with significant goodbyes. Abraham left his father’s home trusting only in God’s promises. Ruth moved away from her family in Moab because she heard about Israel’s God. The Jews were taken from the promised land by their captors though they were the chosen nation. New Testament Christians fled from Jerusalem under the persecution of Rome.  

The Bible shows us how God used each of these great goodbyes. 

Intentionally. 

Purposefully. 

God built Abraham into a nation. He gave Ruth a son that would be the forerunner of the Savior. God worked repentance in the hearts of the Jewish exiles—and when the Christians fled from Jerusalem, God sent them with the message of Christ. The truth about the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ was carried into Gentile territory to bring salvation to the lost. 

Intentionally. 

Purposefully. 

In the same way, hundreds of godly women left the WELS Women’s Ministry conference with great goodbyes. Nurtured by God’s Word and encouraged with powerful applications of Scripture, these women said goodbye to one another equipped with Holy Spirit. Their parting was significant because they returned to their homes renewed with strength to live in God’s grace. They left the conference to continue God’s path of living for his glory. 

Sarah returned to Louisiana where she teaches a women’s Bible study. Meredith returned to Georgia to participate in community events and build relationships where she shares Christ (and picks up garbage in the parking lot so it looks nice for visitors). Naomi returned to her nursing career in Wisconsin and has been fueled in her passion for ministry to teen girls. Elise returned to Ecuador, supported by the love of hundreds of women. And as Leah traveled home to Colorado, she was able to witness to two people about God’s love and forgiveness. 

You also have this opportunity—even if you weren’t at the Women’s Ministry Conference because God has already planned good works for you to do. He has empowered you with his Spirit to proclaim his grace in Christ—to dig deeply into the Word and then tell others about what you know. He has equipped you to bear up under hardships and carry the cross of Christ in a dark world that needs forgiveness. He sends you out into your daily life, bearing his image, and sharing his truth. 

Intentionally. 

Purposefully. 

Hear these great words of our God as you set foot on his path to tell everyone about what Jesus did on the cross to pay for sin and bring us eternal peace with God.  

When was the last time you heard someone say your name? Did they need something? Were they looking for an answer or a decision? Were they hoping you could fix it? (Whatever it is.) Or did they just need a listening ear and some quality time?

From the moment our feet hit the floor until the time our head hits the pillow, days are filled with expectation and responsibility. We hear our name called and respond as needed. Most wouldn’t have it any other way and take great joy in what they do and how they serve others.

But if we’re honest, there are some days that are so blindingly busy we don’t know which end is up or what to do next. Those days, we dread hearing our own name said because it means “one more thing.”

No doubt Mary Magdalene was a woman who took her responsibilities seriously. After Jesus cast out seven demons, she traveled with and cared for the needs of Jesus and his disciples (Luke 8:1-3). Despite her grief over the crucifixion, she got up before dawn to anoint Jesus’ body (John 20:1). When she found the tomb empty, she rushed off to inform the disciples (John 20:1-2). She even offered to go get the body if only the gardener would tell her where it was (John 20:15).

Every time we read about Mary Magdalene in the Bible she is always “doing.”

Does that sound like you? Always responsible? Always preparing? Always taking care of other’s needs? Always willing to do whatever it takes when your name is called?

If so, consider Mary Magdalene’s interaction with Jesus on Easter morning.

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”) (John 20:11-16).

In the middle of Mary Magdalene’s frenzied, emotional attempts to do “one more thing” that might possibly make the nightmare of the day before better, Jesus comes to her and simply says her name. Mary. The name Jesus knew before she was born (Isaiah 49:1). The name engraved on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:16). The name written in the book of life (Revelation 3:5).

Without expectation or responsibility, Jesus said her name so she would stop and know there was nothing more for her to do. Her risen Lord had done it all.

That’s what Holy Week is all about.

Jesus says the same to you. From the loving words written in the Bible to the highest heavens that declare his glory, Jesus is saying you don’t have to do “one more thing.” Jesus knew your name before you were born. He engraved your name on the palms of his hands. And because of what Jesus did the first Holy Week, your name is written in the book of life. When Jesus says your name it’s not with expectation or responsibility, but so you know you can stop your “doing.” There is nothing more for you to do. Your risen Lord has done it all.

Esther, a Jew in the foreign land of Babylon, was raised to royal position not by birth or talent, but by her beauty and the will of God. Through her lovely form and beauty, her humble actions, and her intuition, God allowed her to successfully gain the attention and respect of one of the most ruthless kings the world had ever seen in order to save her people—God’s people—from destruction. Queen Esther’s actions preserved the line of the promised Savior and advanced God’s plan for the salvation of you and me.

Chances are, you’ve not come to a “royal position.” Your life may not have beauty treatments, political intrigue, or high stakes drama. However, like Queen Esther, you have come to your unique position in life “for such a time as this.”

The all-knowing God placed you where you are, at this time in history, in your geographic location, in your family, at your workplace, as a part of your congregation “for such a time as this.” Like he did with Queen Esther, he is working through you to accomplish important work in his kingdom. Through your conversations and actions, you pass along the saving message of Jesus.

Have you come to be a wife? God brought you to your husband because he knew you would meet his emotional, physical, and spiritual needs by pointing him to Jesus.

Are you a mom? God knew your particular child would thrive under your biblical care and guidance in a way that no one else could provide.

Maybe you have come to a “sponsor” position. Can you pray for a child when no one else is doing so?

Maybe you’re a “kind-stranger-on-the-street” with a ready smile for someone barely making it through the day. Can you be the hands and feet of Jesus?

Are you a colleague? Do you see the toll office politics take on the person next to you? Have you come to this workplace for “such a time as this” to give godly answers to everyday questions?

You might be a daughter, sister, aunt, or co-worker. You may be all of the above.

The truth is, God has us come to many “positions” or roles during our lifetime. Often, the plans and purposes he has for us may never be fully realized this side of heaven. “Who knows why things are as they are?” we say. The story of Esther shows us that God knows. He’s given you what you need and brought you to the place you are to advance his plan of salvation. Incredibly, our seemingly ordinary positions will likely stretch beyond our lifetime and into generations yet unborn! You have come to your position for such a time as this.

We’ve all heard the common phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20.” That ability to look back with clarity on a situation is priceless. We often recall the past day or week and say, “I wish I would have done this,” or “I wish I would have done that.” Hindsight is well, hindsight. It’s over with, it’s done. How much better to be present, or plan for the future and act correctly? Here’s our chance for “20/20 Foresight!” In these verses, Jesus tells us exactly what to do.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:34-46

Hospitality . . . are you hospitable?

We are all capable of simple acts of kindness. We just need to have a ready and willing heart. God’s expectation is clear in these verses from Matthew and is repeated throughout Scripture. Romans 12:13 states, “Practice hospitality” and Jesus clarifies that we should be hospitable to all—friend, foe, stranger, healthy, sick, imprisoned, and more. It makes no difference in God’s sight, we are his children therefore we should be hospitable. In fact, hospitality is a fruit of our faith and a wonderful way for us to show God’s love.

Hospitality . . . are you not hospitable?

Admittedly being hospitable takes time, may cost money, and can interrupt plans. But are these any reasons not to be hospitable? Jesus simply says, “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” No exceptions. When we fail to do what God commands, we are committing a sin of omission. James 4: 17 says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” God wants us to obey his law. If we have an opportunity to obey, and don’t do it, we have committed a sin of omission. Therefore, let’s be prepared to obey!

Hospitality . . . what does it look like?

Hospitality is always in season, but perhaps as this time of year rolls around there is even more opportunity, or we simply become more keenly aware of others’ needs. Ultimately, your hospitality is an overflow of your faith and a willingness to share God’s love and good news with others. So, what does hospitality look like? That’s up to you and the unique situation God has blessed you with, however, here are a few thoughts to get you started.

• Bake a pie or a plate of cookies to share with family, friends, or others in your community.
• Invite people from your neighborhood to church.
• Serve at a homeless shelter or food pantry.
• Hold the door for someone going in or out.
• Cut lawn/shovel snow for a neighbor or shut-in.
• Smile.
• Host a Bible study or hymn sing.
• Invite fellow church members to share the holidays with you, especially if they may be alone this season.

We can serve others with hospitality in so many ways with actions that are small, medium, or large. Let God guide your hospitable acts as expressions of faith.

Hospitality . . . is it worth it?

Hospitality is a blessing for all involved, the receiver and the giver. When you are hospitable, your faith is evident, your relationships are strengthened, and your light shines. Even as you serve others, you will find joy and encouragement to continue acts of kindness. A busier season of the year will soon be upon us. Take time now to use the “20/20 Foresight” you are given in this section of Matthew—make your hospitality plan for this season and the year ahead. How grand it will be to hear Jesus direct these words to you one day, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

In spring 2023, the US surgeon general released a report about social connection, sharing that the country is in an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Even before the pandemic, with its subsequent isolation, about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness. From the surgeon general’s point of view, that’s a health risk because the physical consequences include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia.

For those of us who are Christians, how can we make a difference? Well, we obey the encouragement in Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

We do good to people with different political, social, and religious beliefs; to our coworkers, boss, or employees; to grouchy neighbors, people at the gym, and members of the book club.
But let’s not overlook the part that tells us to do good “especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” See, while loneliness may have physical dangers, loneliness in the church can present spiritual dangers. If people don’t feel loved in the family of believers, they might get bitter, stop coming to church, grow distant from people who can keep them connected to God.

As Christians, we are in a unique position to give people community, because we have the best community ever. It’s a family that loves each other now and lives together with God eternally. So, for now, with the Holy Spirit living in us, we have the gift of being the ones who make human connection. We use the specific gifts God has given us to bless the family. We listen to each others’ hurts, celebrate each others’ joys. We practice hospitality, encourage each other, and hold each other accountable, which is the hard part of friendship. We pray with and for each other. Ultimately, we “one another” each other.

With every child, I have had to pare down my life a little more. Now with six kids, an average day is personal time with Jesus, being a wife and mother, homeschooling, cooking, and cleaning. It’s hard not to think how mundane my life is right now.

One constant pressure parents face is to be relentlessly busy, having a calendar filled with “important” things. The temptation is real. I feel it myself. And when someone asks me what I’ve been up to and all I can think of is cooking, cleaning, and refereeing, I can almost feel a sense of shame or the instant need to try to come up with something that sounds more worthy. Why is there such embarrassment in a simple life filled with ordinary things?

But as God draws me nearer to him in his Word, I’m reminded that he’s not at all worried about what looks great to the world. He sees victory, success, and a life well-lived through a very different lens. In fact, the One worthy of all honor, glory and the Name that is above every other name, took on the nature of an obedient servant to win our salvation.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! – Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus set aside his glory.
Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Jesus spent three years making 12 disciples who would be his witnesses.
Jesus willingly suffered, bled, and died to redeem unworthy sinners like me.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

Jesus didn’t send us into the world to make a name for ourselves. He didn’t ask us to conform to the patterns of the world. Instead, he commanded us to go make disciples. And the mundane life where I’m present for my kids and my family is where God has called me to do that work. Motherhood may be a humble calling, but when we lay aside our ideas of what we should be doing, we get to be a part of what God is doing, and that is always so much better. Helping my kids fall in love with reading the Bible; teaching them to cook, clean, serve and become people with character and strength; modeling a life where we strive to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; these are the hidden seeds that I’m tending in the seemingly ordinary life that God has me in for this season. So next time you ask me what I’ve been up to I may just keep it simple. I’m making disciples. How about you?