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Blessed be the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, through now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now we see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

 

As I have stated many times over the years in writing these devotions, Peter is one of my "go to" epistles. And while writing this devotion and scripture, I noticed some highlighted verses in my study bible that I have had for forty years. So grateful to share what has moved me in my faith.

Peter starts this section with a rightful blessing to The Lord. He right away writes of the abundant mercy God gives us through our faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. (If you read verse two, the triune god is described.) Peter also points out in the next verse how our inheritance is incorruptible and undefiled. He also writes this cannot fade away. Kind of reminds me of the Buddy Holly song, "A love like ours/not fade away". He continues by writing we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. These are words of confidence being led by faith that all is from God. Why therefore, should we fear anything that is happening in the world or our personal lives today? God is in power. He gave our Lord Jesus all power in heaven and on earth.

Peter continues to encourage us to rejoice with joy and to avoid temptations that manifold in our lives. Understand that a manifold is a type of part to contain pressure and create extra force of the power driven. By using this description, Peter is telling us not to allow this force to become dominate in our lives. For our faith will be put to test by the world, the devil, and ourselves.

But what we do must be for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are to rejoice in all things and be witnesses to his glory. And still be part of the world but not to live as the world wants you to live. Avoid temptation.

Lord, be with us in our daily walk of life and give us the power of a stronger faith. We pray for us not to bow to temptation. Amen!

Russ Nixon rwnixon57@yaho.com