The feeling of separation is getting to many people. Separated from loved one. Separated from freedoms. Separated from normal human interactions. Separated from work, from the gym, movie theaters, from church and the list can go on and on. We are separated at his time from what we are used to being able to do. This separation has some suffering in many ways. This is a very difficult time for many. I too need to find some comfort and I found it in the first letter of Peter.
First Peter was written during a time Paul was in prison in Rome. The theme of suffering appears throughout this letter to suffering believers in Asia Minor. Peter was writing to encourage suffering believers to stand firm in Christ in persecution. Peter was urging them to do so by focusing of their spiritual privileges and more specifically the place where their rights and privileges lay, in the next life. Believers in Jesus are “pilgrims” and “sojourners” in this world. A land of sojourner where they have no real rights and privileges. Inheritance rights, privileges, and justice for Christians really belong to another realm to which God has delivered believers – heaven, their ultimate home.
Peter’s intent in writing was to strengthen believers during the suffering they were facing. This message to them continues to speak to modern believers, reminding us of our heavenly hope and eternal inheritance when suffering in our lives.
During this time in my life I have found myself re-centering myself into God Word and during this last week I was reminded of this Scripture that I wanted to share with all my readers. It is found in 1 Peter 1:3-9:
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5who are kept by the power of God through faith and salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.
In verses 3 – 5 begins with praise to God for the privileges He has given to believers. Peter reminds his readers that through the resurrection of Christ, God has caused us, believers, to be born again. The result of this new life is an eternal inheritance in heaven that will never perish, be defiled, of fade: salvation.
Jesus’ ascension has two meanings. It was Jesus’s farewell to his disciples, to the world which He loved. It was a long and hard road they had walked together. He had told them many things, but now the time had come when he had to leave them alone. Now they had to be able to walk without always looking to Him. They would be alone. Jesus has left this world of evil and gone to His heavenly Father.
How can people rejoice when they feel like they have been abandoned? How can those who are left orphans be comforted? You are allowed to love Him whom you cannot see. You are allowed to believe in Him who is not in your sight. Nobody can take your love and faith from you. It is you who stands alone in faith and find joy in this faith alone.
Martin Luther once said that while Christ was on earth, he was far away from us, but now that He is in heaven, He is close to us. What does this mean? It means that He is no longer just the king of the Jews, but He is the King of the entire world and He is near, even though He is not visible. He is close to us, in His Word, in the love among brothers and sisters. He comforts us when we feel abandoned.
Jesus’ ascension second meaning is found in verses 6 – 9, Peter continues to encourage his readers with the fact that Christians can rejoice in this imperishable inheritance and sure salvation, though they are tested by persecution and suffering while in this world. We can have joy in anticipation!! The anticipation of things yet to come. For the Lord of heaven, whom we place our faith in; This Lord who we cannot see, but who we love anyway, will come for us again! He will come back to this earth on which we are strangers, and will lead the homeless, through our faith, to a new land, home to our heavenly Father. Rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls!
During this time between Jesus’ ascension and second coming, we wait in faith. When Jesus comes again, heaven opens up and we are home at last. The community of the blessed will see the incomprehensible mystery. Its joy is Jesus Christ, none other than God. At present we are still strangers, wandering in this time between His ascension and second coming. The ungodly may be patient but is seldom joyful in affliction. Their happiness depends on outward circumstances, but believers have always a reason to rejoice. Peter was writing to those who were scattered by persecution, but gives no pity, but praise and thanksgiving.