Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Peter was there when Jesus said to doubting Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). When Peter wrote his first Epistle he addressed Jesus’ followers who had not seen Jesus physically, yet were believers. In addition to affirming their faith, he affirmed their love for Jesus. They responded to the message that God loved them even when they were still sinners. God transformed their hearts and lives when they believed. Now they continued to love Jesus and believe in Him as their Savior and Lord. As their relationship grew there welled up within them a joy they couldn’t quite explain. Yes, even while suffering grief in all kinds of trials they had an inexpressible and glorious joy. Why? They knew they were already receiving a foretaste of the goal of their faith. The ultimate fulfillment of the salvation of their souls will take place in the last time. What a glorious day that will be! As Peter writes this he reminds them that the prophets who predicted what they were experiencing “searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow” (1 Peter 1:10-11). The Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets also inspired the apostles who proclaimed the message in the first century. What an amazing drama. “Even angels long to look into these things,” Peter said.