Isaiah warns that trouble is brewing. The prosperous capital of Samaria – perched high above a fertile valley in Israel’s northern kingdom – will soon “dry up and wilt.” Enemies will march through its streets and topple its walls. Why? Samaria’s leaders are corrupt, and its people have grown deaf to God.
Read More foundation, trustworthy, faithful, cornerstone
The metaphors pile up as Peter works to provide insight into the character and role of Christian communities and their members. The people of God are pictured as stones, as building blocks in a spiritual house (2:5). They are, moreover, “God’s chosen and special people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (2:9).
Read More mercy, belonging, church, cornerstone, vocation