1 Peter 1:3-9 (NRSV)
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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
Twice each year the District School Superintendent would visit our county school. The announced visit would always cause some anxiety. What will the message be? It could be a time of encouragement or it could include a stern message of our need for improvement.
I don't know what the people expected when they received the letter from Peter. Whatever anxieties they may have been experiencing, the opening message must have filled them with joy. The good news of God's mercy and our living hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is strongly and clearly proclaimed.
Now we do not have to wait for a letter to arrive to hear that message. The good news is available to us every day, good news that it is worth repeating: "We are born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Prayer
Gracious God, you surround us daily with the message of grace and hope in Jesus our Risen Lord. Amen.