1 Peter 1:3-12 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 1:3-12 on biblegateway.com
Verse 3Blessed 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, Verse 4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, Verse 5who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Verse 6In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, Verse 7so that the genuineness of your faith-being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Verse 8Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, Verse 9for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Verse 10Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, Verse 11inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the subsequent glory. Verse 12It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-things into which angels long to look!
Devotion
Many things that once appeared rock solid seem to have melted away. That booming economy has slumped. The polar icecaps seem to be breaking up and melting. Even indomitable teams cannot remain in the win column forever. First Peter indicates just how transient things can be. This writer lived in a time of turmoil and suffering, when all bets on long-term security were off. Yet he speaks of an imperishable inheritance that is kept for the beleaguered believer. This is what God, in great mercy, has given to those who have faith and live in love. This gift is nothing less than the salvation of souls. Talk about rock solid!
Prayer
For all who offer worship and praise, we pray to the Lord. For those who proclaim God’s Word, for all servants of the Church, and for all the people, we pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Amen.