"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
The first thing that we take note of here, apart from the message itself, is the fact that these do not sound like the writings of an unlearned fisherman. These are the thoughts of a man whose heart and mind has been changed, transformed, by his interaction with Jesus. We read in Acts 4:13..."Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Peter's experience with Jesus, coupled with the gift of the Holy Ghost, had changed and matured him, insomuch that he had become a bold and eloquent speaker. Jesus has the power to change us, and to make us into what He would have us to be, if we are willing to give ourselves fully to Him.
Now, let's take a closer look at our reading. With verse 3, Peter begins his discourse by thanking God, by whose mercy we have been given hope through the resurrection of Jesus. This is the beginning of our joy. Jesus tells us in John 15:9-11..."As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
Peter then goes on to describe our inheritance as being incorruptible and undefiled. He eludes to the fact that our inheritance will not fade away, because it is reserved in heaven for us, and kept by the power of God until the appointed time. Paul affirms this in Romans 8:14-18 as he writes..."For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
This is certainly a reason for joy, although Peter goes on to tell us in verses 6 and 7..."...though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ..." Although we have an incorruptible inheritance, and we cannot be plucked out of the hand of Jesus, we are still flesh and blood, and we are prone to weakness. As long as we are here, in this earthly body, we will be tempted and tried. However, even this fact should not take away our joy. We read in James 1:2-4..."My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." Even our trials and temptations have a purpose, and are ultimately meant for our good, in order that our faith may be perfected. Though at times it may seem as though things are out of control, we need to bear in mind, as Paul wrote in Romans 8:28..."And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
We come now to verses 8 and 9 of our reading, as Peter expresses the reason for our joy, and why nothing will ever be able to take it from us..."Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." It is Jesus who provides us with this joy unspeakable, an inward peace which the world cannot steal away. He has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, as well as the assurance of a home in heaven when the trials of this life have ended. He tells us in John 14:27..."Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." May we never become so enthralled in the turmoil of our day to day lives that we lose sight of the unspeakable joy and peace that Jesus died on the cross to provide us. May our hearts overflow with joy and gratitude as we reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, as we read in 2 Corinthians 9:15..."Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."
good job
ReplyDelete