When I was training for the ministry at Emmanuel theological college there was a framed quote that hung menacingly in the dining room: I refuse to be discouraged I will only praise. As prospective ministers and missionaries it was a reminded to accept, with thanksgiving, any food the hosts would place before us when visiting in their homes. In this Insight, I want to focus our thoughts around four important areas that help us to keep encouraged as found in 1 Peter 1 v 1 – 9.
An intentional blessing v 1 – 2
In many services that I take I often start with an intentional blessing to set a spiritual tone and then share a further blessing that concludes the service in its own way. Peter an apostle of Jesus sent greetings and an intentional blessing to all the chosen Christians who were dispersed throughout Asia Minor.
Peter reminded them of God’s purpose for everyone, which is to live holy lives by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is only through the sprinkling of Jesus’s shed blood that we are Christian in name and spirit. Peter’s blessing was, “Grace and peace be with you more and more.”
A living hope v 3 – 5
These verses are rich in an understanding about the depth of Christs obedient life here on earth. The ministry of Jesus was miraculous and full of mystery. The church in itself is not our ‘god and a means of salvation.’ Jesus is our Saviour, who we can know personally and for whom we live each and every day.
The mercy of God is overarching and reminds us of the many colours of the rainbow that reflects God grace and goodness. Without faith and hope life fades and decays. The Christian hope is like a seed that grows to transform our thinking and acting. Hope comes as a result of the resurrection of Christ that brings new life and purpose after his death.
As a result of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus we are able to experience a new spiritual birth that brings a renewed relationship with God. Such a relationship includes forgiveness and a future hope because without hope life becomes hopeless. Proverbs 13 v 12 reminds us that “hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
The trials of life v 6 – 7
Throughout church history believers have experienced one degree of persecution or another because of their faith. However, as we are plagued for a short time with trials, it will test our faith which is precious to God so that it may be proven like gold and increase our praise and honour to Him. There is no colour of human trials that God’s rainbow grace does not match. So the purpose of the trials we experience in life are to sift out what is genuine in our faith and to bring forth earthly joy and a hope for the future.
Love unseen v 8 – 9
Those reading the words of Peter would not have met Jesus but knew and experienced him by God’s spirit. We see Jesus with an eye of faith that transcends the mind of knowledge. At present we do not see him physically but one day we will, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 13 v 12, “It’s like looking in a mirror dimly but then face to face.”
So how can we love that which is unseen? Normally we love and appreciate that which we see and are in the presence of. This brings echoes of Hebrews 11 v 1-2 where “faith is the assurance of things we hoped for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality.” (The Amplified Bible) Without seeing God personally we can experience here on earth a measure of what heaven is like; ‘The now and the not yet.’
Peter, who travelled with Jesus, says from verse 8 “you did not see Jesus yet you love him.” Then still without seeing him, you are filled with indescribable joy.” There is a resonance here with the words of Jesus to Thomas as found in John 20 v 29, “you believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
To conclude. When you see a meal in front of you that you do not like, don’t be discouraged.
There is a value in experiencing different types of food that we might even end up liking! Meals are intended to bring nourishment and enjoyment. May the eating of meals and the testing of our faith bring to us a greater sense of thanksgiving and praise to God where we might otherwise be discouraged.
During times of trial and testing, the Lord wants to prove and strengthen our individual faith as he did to Joshua “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1 v 9
At this Easter time and throughout the year, may we take up many opportunities to share the ‘faith and hope’ we have in our Lord, to many who are ‘fearful and without hope.’ May we share with them Peter’s intentional blessing of ‘grace and peace in abundance.’
Selah (Pause to think calmly on what has just been read)
Graham
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