Day 13: Grateful for the Greatest Gift of All!
8You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 10This salvation was something the prophets wanted to know more about. They prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you, even though they had many questions as to what it all could mean. 11They wondered what the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. They wondered when and to whom all this would happen. 12They were told that these things would not happen during their lifetime, but many years later, during yours. And now this Good News has been announced by those who preached to you in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 1 Peter 1:8-1
Do you think Peter was enthusiastic about God’s salvation in and through Jesus? Amen. Peter was writing to folks who had never seen Jesus—and yet they trusted and loved Him. Their salvation was sure because of that trust and love. That’s good news for us, isn’t it? We have never seen Jesus either, and yet we trust Him, too! Our gratitude for the greatest gift of all—salvation in and through Jesus is as fresh and new and real as the salvation of His apostles was so long ago. Jesus Christ IS the same yesterday, today and forever, which means that as long as He tarries—that is as long as He waits to return—people will have the opportunity to know His salvation and to enjoy the fruit of that salvation in this life and the next.
Sometimes we live as if Jesus’ power is non-existent. The reality is the Holy Spirit’s presence and power is available to us as He has been available to people in every age since His original pouring out on the first Christian Pentecost. As we go about this day, we can go about the day boldly, confidently and gratefully, for we know that God is alive in us, and that His salvation is ours through Jesus!
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
What comfort do you take from Peter’s words to folks of His own time that even though they hadn’t seen Him they trusted him?
Take some time right now, to give God thanks for His great salvation in and through Jesus, and ask Him to fill you anew with the Holy Spirit that your trust in Him may continue to grow to His glory and honor!