Our scripture for today is 1 Peter 1:3-9.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
In the opening of his first letter, the Apostle Peter leads us to understand the enormity of the gift we have been given in Christ. God has chosen us to be heirs of His kingdom along with Jesus. This gives us awesome responsibility along with awesome blessing.
Peter tells us that just as Jesus met trials along the way, we too should expect to face opposition when we share the love of God in the world. While it is a message of hope to those who accept it, the powers of this world are threatened by it. Jesus died for that message and we may be called to endure severe conflict as well.
The good news about the Good News is that Jesus will return in glory to subdue the evil that has reigned for so long. We can be part of His victory through faith and perseverance while we are here. God’s plan of salvation is offered to all who will repent and accept His love.
Gracious God, in Your mercy You have called us back to a relationship with You, through the loving sacrifice Jesus made for us. May we be strong in our faith and generous in sharing Your love with all the world. Amen.