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As we begin the Advent season, we also conclude our journey through 1 Peter. The first week of Advent focuses on hope. As we complete 1 Peter, we look back through the book and see a consistent message of hope. In 1:3, Peter tells us we have living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In chapter two, we have the hope of a holy calling in Jesus as his chosen people. In chapter three, we are told to always be ready to give a reason for the hope we have. To complete the letter, Peter tells us in 5:10 that God will restore us, make us strong, firm and steadfast. Although talk of suffering and trials, enemies and submission is found throughout the book, all of it is tempered by the hope we have in Jesus. How can we focus on the hope we have in Christ? What hope do we have in Him? What do we have to look forward to both here on earth and in the future?
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“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
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Hope is one result of faith. If we have faith that this world is not the end-goal and that we will see God and live with him forever, it changes our lives. We no longer live to satisfy and gratify temporary pleasures but look to the hope we have to define our lives and daily actions. But what keeps us from hope? If we don’t believe God’s word, how can we hope in it? If we believe death ends our existence forever, why hope in eternity? Our salvation is the birth of hope in us. Without Jesus, we have no reason to hope. As we look to a hopeless world, we cannot offer gentle platitudes, but must share Jesus. We cannot instill hope apart from the gospel. How can I bring the gospel into my neighborhood, work and school? Who can I share my hope with?
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“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
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Advent means “arrival”. We may have celebrated last week when out-of-town family arrived in our homes. We look back at the advent of Jesus into this world at Christmas. We also look forward to our future hope of seeing Jesus again. As we celebrate this time of year, we should take time to both celebrate what God has done through his first advent and pray expectantly for the next arrival. How can I celebrate Christmas with my family today and this week? This celebration is not a one day event on the 25th . Take the opportunity this week to celebrate with friends and family the hope we have in Christ. How can we celebrate the future advent we are waiting for with hope this week and this season?
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“Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.” – Romans 8:25
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For Further Study:
Read Isaiah 9. This prophecy about the messiah gave the Jewish people great hope as they waited for their savior.
For Prayer:
Pray for your neighbors specifically. If you don’t know their names, now would be a great time to take them a plate of cookies and get to know them.