Thursday, November 22

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018


"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade -- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:3-9)


Happy Thanksgiving! The apostle Peter directed his letter, starting with this passage above, to scattered believers. He starts out by identifying them as those "Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood." These believers had become part of God's family through the love and interweaved work of the Triune God.

These believers found themselves struggling under persecution. Peter encourages them by emphasizing the security of their salvation ("shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation... ") and calling them to "rejoice." He indicated that God has intended their suffering "so that you faith -- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor." While their suffering hurts in the present, it will bring glory to God both in the present and into the future. By studying the "big picture," we may remain faithful even though temporary suffering.

How do we live joyfully in a challenging environment? From this passage and the teachings of Paul, we understand that joy comes not as a result of circumstances, but rather through our connection with God. When we focus on God's faithfulness and remember His love, we may experience joy even under trial. We also understand from Galatians 5:22,23 that the Spirit bears His fruit in our lives, including joy.

Should we settle for less than joy, we are denying God's power in our lives and losing out on a key opportunity to witness to God's goodness. Our joy serves as a "light" to a watching world: "A town on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16) While this passage concentrates on "deeds," I would argue that attitude and demeanor also matter to a watching world. Given that hopelessness can emerge without God, we can point instead to the hopefulness of embracing God and experiencing His joy.

How may you express your joy today? How has God demonstrated His faithfulness to you? How may you give thanks today -- and in all circumstances?


Lord God, thank You for giving us great reason for joy. We thank You for the gift of salvation, which Christ won for us through His sacrifice on the Cross. Help us to experience the "inexpressible and glorious joy" that this passage discusses. Give us the courage to witness to others through the attitudes that emerge from a transformed heart and mind. Make us beacons of Your goodness today with our families and friends. In Jesus's Name, amen.


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