February 27, 2017 (Monday)
The first chapter of First Peter in the Bible is remarkable. Whenever we read it, our spirits are lifted and our faith increased. Within the chapter are verses that emphasize our faith as a living hope. Peter writes, “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (verse 3).
Living Hope is a hope that lives now. In verse 5 we are told that we are shielded (now) by God’s power. God Himself is guarding you. His presence is real. God strengthens our faith daily. It may be severely tested, but it is always found genuine. Ours is, in the words of a grand old Fanny Crosby hymn, “Blessed assurance.”
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine,
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Living Hope is a hope that lives in death. Verse 3 tells us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a strong reason to believe that His power to conquer death is available to us. Before Jesus came there was little hope of resurrection for us. The Gentiles had no hope at all, and the Jewish hope was faint, because no one had proved it was possible. The resurrection is now a living hope for us, because Jesus rose from the dead, promising the same for us. He said, “Because I live, you shall also live” (John 14:19).
Living Hope is a hope that shall never die. We have “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, kept in heaven for us” (vs 4).
Today many are groping in the darkness of disbelief and sin, looking for hope. They are looking for valid answers. Unaware of their spiritual quest, they are seeking THE ANSWER, and that is Jesus Christ, who gives living hope.
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