Living Hope

Oct 3, 2022

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

- The Apostle Peter, 1 Peter 1:3-5

1 Peter is the first letter written by Peter to the churches in Asia-Minor (modern-day Turkey). These churches consisted primarily of Gentile converts to Christianity who were trying to live out their faith in a world whose values were vastly different from their own. In 1 Peter 2, Peter calls them foreigners and exiles. They are under constant pressure to give in to the morals and values of the society in which they live… morals and values that do not align with the ways of Christ. Sounds familiar, huh?

In 1 Peter 1:3-5, Peter begins by exalting the name of Jesus.

I wonder how often we take the time to exalt God and praise His name? I know for me, it is easy to get caught up in my circumstances, my struggles, and my challenges, looking to God for answers, but not taking the time to honor Him, exalt Him, and thank Him for all that He has done for me.

Peter then goes on to list the blessings bestowed on those who know Him: Living Hope, and an Inheritance that never perishes. We are guaranteed, in Christ, a home in Heaven one day.

Friends, there is value and reward for following Jesus and His ways rather than the ways of the world. Sure, the world offers some short-term benefits - like money, sex, and power - but they will all fade away. As C.T. Studd, missionary to Africa, China and India, wrote:,

Only one life, ‘twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

As followers of Jesus Christ, our future - our eternity - is guaranteed with Him. He is our Living Hope and promises an eternal inheritance that will never perish, spoil or fade. It awaits us until such a time that God calls us home.

My personal challenge, and one I extend to you, is this:

1. Set aside time to exalt the name of Jesus and praise Him for who He is.

2. Thank Him for all that He has done for you, both the blessings you receive here and now, and the eternal home in Heaven that one day awaits you.

3. Turn away from the things of this world from a position of gratitude for all that Jesus has done and a desire to become more like Him each day.