I Peter 1:3-5, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
After making this statement, Peter says: “In this you greatly rejoice!” (1:6). And why not?
Consider his statement in 1:3-5:
1. God, based on His character – His mercy, has acted!
2. “begotten again” – He has caused! He has given us a second birth.
3. He has blessed with a vibrant hope!
4. This Hope is anchored to the truth that Jesus conquered death and the grave – He rose to new life!
5. God has adopted us into His family and thus to a fabulous inheritance.
6. And about that inheritance/our future – it will never lessen, never decay, never fade.
7. This inheritance is held in Heaven where men, Satan, or the curse cannot touch it.
8. And about us – we are held and kept by God Himself who is alone all-powerful.
9. His gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8) is my means to His salvation and also my means to show I’m His.
10. And in time, all this will come clearly into view and full appreciation.
And the response to such a hope:
1:6-9, In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 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.
Our response?
1. Yes, beset by COVID-19, wars, cancers, death, anger, and “grieved by various trials.”
2. The faith gift and the revelation of the object of faith – God – ought to be seen as the greatest treasure we hold – greater than a bar of gold under the bed (or toilet paper!).
3. And our Faith can be severely tested – but not destroyed!
4. Rather, Faith tested ends up with a greater love and praise of Jesus when He comes.
5. And during these days, Jesus, though not seen, is deeply loved – true with you?
6. And not seeing Him in these pandemic/national emergency days does not diminish a rich and overflowing love for Him.
7. It all ends with those who are His being with Him in bliss and glory forever! WOW!
So, as Peter (1:3) – BLESSED be the God and Father of Jesus!
Man, I love these verses – these promises! How blessed, special, and rich I am all because of His love reaching to me, gifting me, and guaranteeing me a place with Him for eternity. To Him be ALL the glory!!
a PK Musing 
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