Key verse:1 Peter1:3: “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,” (KJV).
People often hope for things like better health or improved financial situations. But whatever the object of hope might be, there is one common thing about hope; it causes a person to look forward. It deals with the future, things yet unseen and unknown. The Bible speaks of hope that is not of this world. For Christians, hope holds eternal significance. Our hope is fixed on Jesus Christ, our soon coming King, who will take us to live with Him forever in Heaven. The New Testament speaks of our future “hope;” it is referring to a confident expectation that we have in Christ. And Peter refers to it as a “living hope.” It is living in the sense that it is full of life and vitality. It is a hope that is much different from the empty and vain hopes that people all have around us. Many times, people will put their hope in something and end up being disappointed, but the distinctive feature of this living hope is that it is capable of withstanding storms and trials we face in life.
Peter epistle was to the new believers who were facing difficult times as a result of their faith. In addition, things were going to get worse and the people were to be reminded of their hope in Christ. The epistle offers encouragement to the people in times of great trouble. The Lord would provide everything necessary for them to endure the trials that come. He would help them to be victorious. A Christian’s hope is ever present a “living hope” rooted in a sovereign, all-powerful God. Christians can know at all times that eternity in Heaven awaits them, no matter what mighthave happened in this life. Note, Peter characterised this “living hope” that waits us as something that can never perish, spoil or fade (verse 4). Peter reminded the believers that in addition to their eternal hope, they found protection in this life through the power of God. The troubles that they faced were not pleasant, but God walked with them, guided them and protected them. Their hope would sustain them, helping them remain faithful to Christ until eternity revealed the fullness of their salvation (verse 5).
Genuine Christians, who have been born again to a living hope, are routinely joyful because we have an eternal reason to rejoice. Our living hope should give us great joy regardless of our circumstances, even during distressing trials. It is not natural for people to rejoice while experiencing grievous troubles.
One simple reason believers rejoice despite distressing trials is because our trials are temporary; but our new life in Heaven will last forever. One of the purposes of trials is to purify us. Just as the heat of refining fire smelt gold, so, our lives are purified by the troubles of life that test us. And if we let these purifying trials accomplish God’s purpose, as James said, then our lives will come out of the refining process perfect and complete (spiritually mature and Christ like); resulting in praise, honour and glory when Jesus returns (James 1:2-4). We should rejoice during trials because they give us the opportunity to prove the genuineness of our faith to God,ourselvesand the world. This brings praise, honour and glory to God (1 Peter 1:7).
• Today’s nugget: Christian’s hope is ever present. Prayer: Lord help me to stand firm amid trials. Prayer lines: 08033299824.E-mail: [email protected]. Rev. Abel UkachiAmadi, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria
