1 Peter 1:3-5

Can you believe the goodness of the good news? Can you believe that we're promised an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading? Never were three more beautiful words spoken. And the fact that Peter was the one who wrote them amazes me. Peter, who denied any relationship to Christ whatsoever while his innocent friend was being tortured. Peter may have been in the best position ever to believe that his inheritance had perished, been defiled, or faded. He must have been sure of it! It is only those who are convinced of their own badness who can perceive the incredible goodness of the good news.

Peter follows up these words with: "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials" (v. 6). He knows what that week between Jesus' resurrection and Jesus' appearing was like. It was full of suffering. He spent the whole time, I guarantee you, going over and over those three denials in his mind. :I do not know the man! How could I have said that! I don't believe that...what was I thinking?" He must have been sure that Jesus would show up holding the recording. Peter is imagining an eternity spent separated from this man he denied. And yet, wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles, when Jesus walks into the room that night after He's resurrected, He doesn't even mention it! It's as if Peter's inheritance is...could it be? Imperishable? Undefiled? Unfading? Peter might have started putting these words together in his head that very night.

We are like Peter. We are sure that our relationship with Christ has perished. That it has become defiled. That it has faded. And if our relationship with Christ is based on our performance, we'd be right. Thankfully for us, our relationship with Christ is based on His performance, His fidelity, and His love. Because His love for us is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, so is our connection to Him.

Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,