Praise God!
The apostle Peter opens his first letter with praise and worship as he outlines who God is. He says in 1 Peter 1:3-5 that:
1) God has great mercy
2) God causes us to be born again to a living hope
3) God protects his people through his power
These three facts about God are enough to talk about for a long, long time!
Wow! This sounds like a great deal! God the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to tell us very good news. We can all use good news. In a world that seems on the brink of disaster and when dangers seem to surround us, it is good news to know that God has great mercy, that he causes us to be born again to a living hope, and that he protects us!
Jesus told throngs of people who were under the oppression of Rome that the fears of this life have only limited powers. (Luke 12:4-7)
Yes, there are great concerns for the body. Pollution, the threat of nuclear war, disease, and economic crisis can bring temporary difficulties but Jesus encourages us with his words of love. “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows”. (Luke 12:6,7)
God is our protector. He knows you and me and cares for us. The great message that we are wise to hear is that some things are temporary and other things are eternal. God’s love and protection for us is eternal. We are kept by the power of God.
Job said, “I know that my Redeemer lives and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed yet in my flesh I shall see God”. (Job 19:26). Job experienced the truth that, although troubles come, in the end God loves and cares.
The question of protection is more than the avoidance of pain and difficulty in this temporal life. The protection that God gives his children is beyond the temporary. As his people, we are hidden in Christ. We are protected by his great power.
It warrants repeating that God provides mercy, hope, and protection. He is the Good Shepherd.
This is the God we worship. Instead of cursing the darkness, let’s worship Him. We appreciate your Comments