“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).
As I poured over commentaries about today’s verses, my heart was blessed to know I have hope for the future. The NIV Study Bible notes:
“In spite of the frequent…persecution mentioned in Peter’s letter, hope is such a key thought in it that it may be called a letter of hope in the midst of suffering. In the Bible, hope is not wishful thinking but a firm conviction, much like faith that is directed toward the future. The resurrection of Christ secures for His people their new birth and the hope that they will be resurrected just as He was. Believers are born again not only to a hope but also to the inheritance that is the substance of the hope. The inheritance is eternal—in its essence (it is not subject to decay) and in its preservation (it is divinely kept for us).”
Giving up is not an option. There is “too much to gain to lose.” Claim the “lively hope.”
First Corinthians 2:9 tells us “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for those in your congregation who are battling chronic illnesses. Ask God to give them strength and peace for this day.
