1 Peter 1:3-9 (NRSV)
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Verse 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Verse 4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, Verse 5who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Verse 6In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, Verse 7so that the genuineness of your faith-being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Verse 8Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, Verse 9for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Devotion
The road seemed to lead to nowhere as our taxi wound through the pastures and rolling hills of southwestern Scotland. Was the brochure describing Portpatrick correct? Wasn’t it supposed to border the sea? Then, just as we were doubting the driver, the brochure, and our navigational wits, we crested a hill and, “voilà!” We plunged into the most beautiful vista—the North Sea, an ancient castle, a quaint village. It was all that we had hoped for.
To be plunged into a living hope via the waters of baptism is to have the utmost confidence in a benevolent and forgiving God. The faith of the early persecuted believers could not have materialized without being birthed by God. Faith is not something we create or sustain. In faith, we are in the midst of a gift—a graceful power casting a vision before us, opening up vistas for mission and the salvation of souls.
Prayer
Gracious God, guide our hearts and minds to rejoice in the ongoing gift of faith, allowing us to see visions and dream, dreams for the purpose of furthering your mission of hope! Amen.
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