This week we begin a new series through Peter’s first letter, written to groups of believers dispersed throughout Asia Minor, and struggling in their trials and sufferings. For their encouragement, Peter reminds them of the great blessings and privileges they have, having being born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He doesn’t ignore their suffering, nor does he play it down, but he does remind them that it is only ‘for a little while’, whereas the promises and privileges which are theirs in Christ are eternal- imperishable, undefiled and unfading.
This letter speaks powerfully into our own age, where opposition to the gospel is increasing, and where so much emphasis is placed on our comfort, and on the ‘here and now’. The gospel, and our new life in Christ, causes us to see all things in an entirely new and different perspective to the rest of the world. We have a living hope! Not a dead one! In Christ, we have a sure and secure salvation to look forward to- one that even angels long to look into!