Life can be hard to understand sometimes. There are so many conflicting experiences we can have. We experience times of joy and times of sadness, times of happiness and times of sorrow. In 1 Peter 1:1-9 we are given a picture of life in microcosm. In a few brief sentences we are given the whole scope of life – but, as seen from heaven. A couple observations about life:

First, Life is Journey. Writing to the church, in verse two, Peter refers to them as strangers. The word in the original language also means pilgrim. He was referring to them as I believe God sees all of His children in this world. In this world we are strangers on a pilgrimage. Heaven is our true home (cf. 2 Cor 5:-10). So while we are here, we are on a journey.

It can be a hard journey, a joyous journey, a journey filled with confusion and adversity or with contentment and happiness. A lot is dependent upon what we experience in life. The things we cannot control, for instance, lead us in many ways; and more often than not, our ability to cope and overcome hardships with a positive attitude and joyful spirit and a heart filled with faith lead us as well. But no matter what we experience and how we face the challenges of the journey, scripture makes it very clear that life is just that, a journey.

It may be stating the obvious to say so, but it is important to understand that point; because if we understand life as a journey then we will not allow ourselves to become too settled. Continue reading →

I remember the first family funeral I had to deal with as a child. My grandmother, who I loved dearly, died when I just beginning high school. She was the first person I would usually see in the morning. When I was a child, she picked me up from school. She often made my dinner and took care of me. Her death was felt deeply.

I remember the first time I went to her graveside. It was a sad, lonely feeling. Cemeteries have such a finality to them. I can imagine what Mary Magdalene and the other women felt then they went to the tomb of Jesus in the early morning hours to prepare His body. There was no doubt a heaviness that weighed on them.

But when they got to the tomb it was not as they suspected. Instead of finding their beloved master dead, they were confronted by an angel who said, “He is not here, He is risen!” I think it would be hard to put ourselves in their shoes. Needless to say, no sweeter words were ever spoken! Continue reading →

Grace is a beautiful word. As used in the bible it refers to the unmerited favor believers receive from God. Sometimes we are led to believe that we deserve salvation. A little boy, whose dad was very proud of his religious abilities, was praying before he went to bed and asked, “Dear God, please talk to my dad. Sometimes he believes he is you.”

Grace means that we are given something we have not earned. The bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9).

It is a humbling thought that our salvation is dependent upon the work of another. Just to make sure we understand that point we are told, “And this is not your own doing; [it is] not a result of works.” God leaves no room for boasting expect in the person of Jesus Christ.

It is also a joyful thought that our salvation is dependent upon another. If we had to earn our own salvation we would always be plagued with the thoughts, “Have I made it? Have I done enough? Did I please God?” Grace takes the worry out of salvation. “For by grace you have been saved … it is a gift of God” Salvation is a gracious gift, given to us out of the depth of God’s love.

It is also a comforting thought that our salvation is dependent upon another. It is written “… you have been saved.” There is no room for doubt. There is no room for worry. There is only the comfort, peace, and joy that gives eternal confidence in the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. Because of His sacrifice on our behalf, our salvation is complete. The result is that we are free to enjoy the eternal Sabbath rest found in Jesus.

Dear Lord, help us to enjoy and live out of the confidence you give through Jesus Christ. Thank you for the gift of salvation, Amen!