If I’m being completely transparent with you, I used to get very anxious when I would talk about death. The thought of my own death would make me extremely nervous to the point of almost having a panic attack, and I couldn’t even discuss the death of a loved one. Those feelings were crimpling prior to knowing Christ; but, as my relationship grows with Him, death takes on an entirely new meaning.
In today’s passage, in verses 3 – 5, Peter sings praises to God that we are born again to a new inherited life in Christ Jesus. He reminds us that through our faith, God is protecting us up to when He reveals Himself in the last days for all to see. Peter goes on, beginning in verse 6, to prepare us for the last days. He knows that our faith must endure fiery trials up to that point, and we must remain strong through each trail, that includes death, and every other difficult earthly place for us and our loved ones.
As someone who LOVES Jesus and who will never stop growing closer to Him, I’m excited to say that death is no longer frightening to me because I know that it doesn’t get the last word, only Jesus gets the last word! Obviously, there is pain associated with death, sometimes physical pain and there is always emotional pain, but those are not things to be frightened about, because our hope is in the One who rose from death, and it is through His death that we have the confident reassurance that we live for Eternity now and forever. Physical death is difficult for us who are left on earth, but I can only image what the celebration looks like in Heaven. I look forward to that celebration, but until then I cling to my hope in Christ.
1 Peter 1:3-9 NLT
The Hope of Eternal Life
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the resurrection in Christ that holds Your promise of the gift of Eternal Life with You. May my hope in You grow as I face trials and even death. I ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.
Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant