1 Peter 1:3-9 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 1:3-9 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.
Devotion
As I read these words I am reminded again of various people giving specific days for end times. Today Peter is not trying to scare us, but is reminding us of "a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."[No time frame or date is offered.] "In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith... is tested by fire."
Not many of us like tests. If you are anything like me, your faith has never been abundant, but so far, it has been enough. Just enough! What more could anyone ask for. We have not seen the Lord, yet somehow we love him and believe in him. And our daily lives are a process of "receiving the outcome of our faith, the salvation of our souls." Christ is Risen indeed!
Prayer
Risen Lord, as we begin another day full of tests, by your mercy keep us in the faith by giving us glimpses of your presence as we walk one day closer to the outcome of our faith. Christ is Risen, indeed!