Saturday, November 12, 2005
1 Peter 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.
NOW FOR A LITTLE WHILE
We Christians are and ought to be happy people, rejoicing people. After all, Jesus' apostle Peter has told us that we are on our way to heaven because of the death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. He has told us that God Himself will keep us in the faith even to our last day.
Now Peter tells us we have reason to be joyful even though we are temporarily in a state of grief because God has sent various trials into our lives. What kind of trials? The first readers of Peter's letter were being persecuted for their faith in Christ. They were being unjustly accused of wrongdoing by their enemies, the unbelievers. Being slandered, hurt, imprisoned -- these things are grievous trials, but Peter says we still have reason to rejoice. What Christ has done for us still stands, without change.
What trials are you going through right now? Family crises? Health problems? Financial difficulties? How are you dealing with these things?
Peter tells us these things are only for a time, in contrast to the heavenly joy, which lasts forever. Peter also tells us that God has something good in mind for us through these trials. Through these trials, whatever they may be, God purifies our faith. Just as gold is tested in the fire and comes out showing that it is indeed gold, so our faith goes through fiery trials and shows itself to be genuine faith. For it is faith that God has created and preserves through His Word. And such faith, which endures forever, is much more precious than gold that perishes. In the end we shall indeed see how God has made even our trials serve for our eternal good, even as He works all things together for good to those who love Him, to those who are His called ones.
When Jesus returns on the last day, we Christians, by faith in Christ, will be given praise and honor and glory. Something to be joyful about!
