“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3–4).
Peter sure could speak excitedly about his living hope. This whole chapter is a big encouragement to look to heavenly things. When I read this, and many other passages, I stop and ponder if that same joy bubbles up in my heart when I speak of heaven. There is so much distraction, so many small wins and losses here on earth that grab my attention, sometimes I forget.
This chapter puts it all in perspective.
Are you suffering? God is perfecting your faith.
Are you worried? Cast your cares on God.
Are you tempted to live like the world? Don’t, because God has blessed you and called you.
This life passes away, but you are redeemed to God for eternity.
When I am losing sight of my living hope I come back to this chapter. It’s hard to miss the joy, urgency, and value that Peter placed on the eternal perspective. His reward and success are rooted firmly in living for Jesus in this life and being fully with Jesus in the next life.
Peter knew and saw things I have not. He actually walked with Jesus, so maybe it was easier for him to stay focused. I don’t know, maybe it was just as hard for him as it is for me. The great thing is that the vision is written out for us in this epistle. This is a chapter I keep coming back to when I lose my way a bit, when my priorities feel conflicted. Peter loved Jesus in a way that he valued Him over everything else, and I want to be like that, too.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8–9).