SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:1-12
OBSERVATION:
Peter is writing to Christ-followers (those obedient to Jesus, forgiven/sprinkled by His sacrificial death) wherever they may be scattered, reminding them of their great joy and great hope in the midst of great trials. He reminds them that many people in the past longed to know Jesus as we do, but did not.
Those who surrender to Jesus as their Lord and Saviour can look forward to the perfect kingdom that He will ultimately establish – no more poverty, tears, injustice, sickness, death, famine, war, hate, immorality, dishonesty, inequity – a glorious inheritance!
Those who live the kingdom-life now will experience trials but these can strengthen our faith in the invisible Lord, and our longing for His glorious kingdom. Our present suffering can reinforces our commitment to the better world.
APPLICATION:
This letter is a good reminder that life for Christ-followers now will not always be easy, in fact the trials that they experience will ultimately result in praise for the Lord, if the faith endures.
I should spend more time imagining what life in the glorious kingdom will be like – to help me live that way today, but also to inspire me to what is yet to come. Do I reflect much on this future kingdom, or am I more wrapped up in the comforts of this present world?
It is difficult to believe in someone we cannot see, but that is the essence of faith. The Spirit of Jesus encourages us to hang on to what we cannot see, just as the Spirit inspired the OT prophets to proclaim and believe what they could not see.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to stay firm in my commitment to You as my Lord and Saviour, especially when I face those tough times that test my faith. Amen.
Thank You Lord for the Hope we have in Christ Jesus, our Risen Saviour. As I live for Jesus, the daily events of my life, the trials which come my way, may they only increase my faith, so that Jesus Christ may be praised. Gold perishes but the trial of faith will endure to bring praise and honour and glory. Refiner’s fire. Thank You for supplying my necessities rather than my requests. Thank You for the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Help me in my walk of faith. Today God Is First. Help me Lord to search Your Word daily. Help me to put my confidence in You.
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more;
feed me till I want no more.