Monday, January 11, 2010

Living Hope

Here we are at the start of a new set of devotionals about to embark on a study of 1 Peter. As we read through this letter that Peter sent to the churches throughout the region of Asia Minor, it would aid us greatly if we knew the situation that Peter was writing into. The Christians that Peter was writing to were facing persecution from the people around them because of their faith in Jesus. Peter’s letter to them was an encouragement to stand firm in the face of suffering and to continue to live holy lives.

Read 1 Peter 1:1-12

Knowing that the believers were facing persecution on account of their faith in Christ, Peter right away reminds them what they were suffering for. Why was the pain worth it? He reminds them, “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” Despite all the hardship and trouble they had right now, their hope lay in heaven. Following Jesus meant that there was something to look forward to and Peter wanted to remind them of this. This was worth suffering for! But Peter also gives them assurance. Despite all the suffering, social, physical, emotional, verbal, nothing could take them away from the inheritance that had been given to them. It didn’t matter if people ultimately killed them, their hope was secure in Jesus.

I wonder how often we think about the hope that we have in Jesus. True hope. This isn’t a “I hope I get a PS3 someday” or “I hope the Chicago Bears win Sunday.” This is true real living hope that we have a guarantee of salvation in Jesus. In the face of whatever trials come our way, whether its being mocked by people at school because of what we believe, or our friends and family not understanding how everything is different for us now because of Jesus, do we stand firm because of the hope we have in Jesus?

If you’re like me, I don’t think about the hope I have in Christ nearly enough. And the problem is that as much as I try to think about it, I only understand it in my head, but it doesn’t feel real. I want to experience that hope. Take some time to ask God to show you the hope that you have in Jesus. I want to know exactly what Peter is talking about when he breaks out into praise in his letter to the churches.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

AMEN!

PRAYER CALENDAR
Monday: Pray for your relationship with God
Lift up your complaints to God. Know that he hears them and cares for you

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