The first of Peter was written by this Apostle to first century Christians living in various places of Asia Minor and suffering rejection by the world around them, they were grieved or distressed by various trials which likely included persecution, etc. because they were followers of Christ. Following Christ is not always an easy road because there is a conflict with the world around us. Peter reminds his readers that as Christians we have a hope beyond this present, and “in this you greatly rejoice” 1:6, even though confronted by these trials! Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to look to Jesus (our Savior and Example) who endured the pain and shame of the cross “for the joy that was set before Him”. It was that joy filled hope that sustained Him through the present pain! Peter refers to faith that “is tested by fire” but also points to the reward at the return of Jesus, “whom having not seen you love, Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls”, the final victory, 1:7-9. In Romans 12:12 another great Apostle writes to his readers that they should be “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer”. Continue reading 1 Peter 1 through verse 16 as he goes on to show us that our hope is anchored in the return of Jesus, and it is here that our mind should be focused; and this is reason to conduct ourselves in the holiness of our calling in Him! Remember this that even if the going gets rough, “…the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10.
Rejoicing in hope
By Rose Hill
Even though Him we do not now see,
To rejoice in Him greatly we are free.
Because of the hope we have in His grace,
And our obedience to Him is firmly in place.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.