HOLDING ON TO HOPE: A Study of 1 Peter
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Today’s verses: 1 Peter 3:18-20
“For Christ also suffered once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but being made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.”
Have you ever been tempted to complain when you have suffered from sickness, grief, pain, loneliness, accusations, money issues, or persecution, saying, “God, why me? Why is this happening? Why is this happening now?” Sister, as hard as it is to understand, especially in the moment, our trials always have a purpose—at least from God’s perspective. God always has a plan, always! He knows what we don’t know and sees what we can’t see. Whether the circumstances we face are good or bad we must remember that He has a plan for us and that that plan is to give us a hope and a future. Are you trusting God to weave both the good and bad events of your life into a magnificent blessing for you and those you care about?
The Bible clearly shows us that the early Christians suffered too, as a matter of fact they suffered way more than most of us do today. So, Peter reminded them that Noah suffered, too. Being obedient to God’s command to build the ark, Noah faced constant ridicule and opposition from his neighbors who thought he was crazy for preparing for a flood. But Noah remained faithful to God right down to every plank and nail until the ark was done.
Peter reminded the people of his time how Christ had suffered. I am sure that it comforted those Believers to know that Jesus knew exactly what they were going through because He had experienced it Himself. Peter also explained that suffering has a purpose. Jesus suffered persecution and death “...once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (vs.18). He suffered for an eternal reward for all of us – even as we were undeserving. I am so thankful for this truth: When Jesus died on the cross, all the sins—past present and future—of everyone who believes on Him were nailed with Him to that cross. And at the very moment that Jesus died, an amazing thing happened: The veil that had separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was literally torn from top to bottom. This was God’s way of showing us that Jesus had cleared away the sin that separates us from God, and we are now free to come boldly before Him.
How wonderful it is to know that Jesus’s suffering and death weren't meaningless. It had a divine purpose…to bring us to God! Today, we must believe that our trials aren’t meaningless either. God has a divine plan for us. As believers, we are God’s adopted children. He is our Abba, our Father. We are able to have an intimate loving relationship with Him for all eternity because of Jesus’ selfless sacrifice.
Jesus, You are our Living Hope. No matter how bad our situation is, we can have comfort knowing that You personally know what we are going through and will get us through it. Thank you for Your incredible sacrifice on the cross, so that we can freely and boldly come as God’s children to the throne and ask whatever we need. Thank you for rescuing everyone who calls on You. In Jesus’ name and for the Father’s glory we pray. Amen.
