Monday 01 June 2009
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." (v.3-4)
Background
This epistle, or letter, is written to the persecuted Christiansspread abroad throughout eastern Asia.
It starts by giving glory to God and acknowledging the great mercyof God in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. TheBible reveals to us that these events, which is are still disputedby some today, have purchased for the Christian a new life and anew hope.
"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything oldhas passed away; see, everything has become new!" (2 Corinthians5:17). A new life begins for Christians after the resurrection ofJesus, because the sin that separates humanity from God has beenremoved by the sacrifice and shedding of the blood of Jesus.
The writer of 1 Peter explains that Christians will still suffergrief and sorrow, as a result of trials, but they will not lastforever. These might challenge the Christian, but they are only fora season. Eventually there will be joy, because of their hope inGod.
Just like the followers and disciples of the past, believers todaycan suffer hardships. The faith of a Christian is often tried, butit reveals a greater glory of God - "For this slight momentaryaffliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyondall measure" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
The hope and focus of the disciples of the early Church was to makeheaven on earth, and that should still be the hope and focus of theChristian today.
To Ponder
What does a 'brand new life' mean to you? Whatdoes it represent?
Have any fiery trials challenged you? How did youovercome them? Or how are you overcomingthem?
What impact does the resurrection of Jesus haveon Christianity today?