1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
We have bright hope for tomorrow, because through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, we have eternal life. How wonderful to know this when worries and troubles come our way in our daily lives.
1 Peter 1:4
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,
Around this time of year, “spring cleaning” forces us to go through, sort and clean out our living spaces. Too much clutter bogs down the spirit while a clean, bright room is restful indeed. Try to keep clutter from gathering by putting several large decorations like a vase of flowers and some candles on an entry table. Make an effort to put tools, keys, craft supplies away as you use them, instead of leaving them out.
How thankful we should be that we have an inheritance waiting for us that will not fade, be corrupted, or crumble. Unlike a camera memory card or a computer that can become corrupted, our spiritual inheritance will never fade away!
1 Peter 1:5
who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
It is through faith, and not good works, that we enjoy salvation. God does the saving and keeping, we do the trusting and obeying. We have a powerful God, He does not need any of our help!
1 Peter 1:6
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
As Christians, we need to always be prepared for trials. These are the means that God uses to test and try his children. A habit of constant prayer and writing His Word on our hearts will fortify and strengthen us for these times.
1 Peter 1:7
that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Here we read that the genuineness of our faith is more precious than gold. Even if we are tested as through a fire’s flames, we should come through it praising and glorifying Jesus Christ. This is a shining testimony to the world around us when they see our devotion to our Lord.
1 Peter 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Like a bride who loves her Bridegroom, we love Him who gave His life at such great price for us. To me as a young woman I compare it with how I think of my future husband- even though I have not seen him, I will love him when I meet him in God’s will and timing. This is how it is with us and Christ. Just because you cannot see Him it does not mean you cannot love Him. He created the whole world and His own creation did not receive Him! We have not seen him with our own eyes, but through His Love Letter (The Bible) written to us, we grow closer and learn more and more about Him.
1 Peter 1:9
receiving the end of your faith- the salvation of your souls.
Because we believe, we receive the end of our faith- Eternal Life with our Heavenly Bridegroom. Rejoice with joy inexpressible and
full of glory!
~Elizabeth E.