“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:1-9 NASB
What is the cure for hopelessness? The resurrection of Jesus Christ, our living hope
Living Hope: The confident expectation of God’s faithfulness to His promises
The resurrection provides
- Hope for the past
“Jesus was handed over to die for our sins, and he was raised from death to make us right with God.” Romans 4:25 ERV
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NASB
- Hope for the present
“We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through our faith, Christ has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy. And we are very happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory. And we are also happy with the troubles we have. Why are we happy with troubles? Because we know that these troubles make us more patient. And this patience is proof that we are strong. And this proof gives us hope. And this hope will never disappoint us. We know this because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts through the Holy Spirit he gave us.” Romans 5:1-5 ERV
“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV
- Hope for the future
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 NIV
“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3 NASB
Heavenly Father, thank you for Your love for me. Thank You for demonstrating that love, in the life, death, and resurrection of Your One and Only Son. Jesus, thank you for what You did for me through the cross. Today, I am trusting in You. I put my hope in You for forgiveness from my past and future failures. I put my hope in You for the present. I look to You to lead and guide my life through the power and strength that only You can give. I agree with You that You are my Savior and my Lord. I put my hope in You for the future, that I have a living hope, that will lead me from this life into eternal life with You forever. Holy Spirit, thank You that You dwell in me and that You are the presence of Jesus with me at all times. Holy Spirit You raised Jesus from the dead. And I believe that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me. Help me to live my life in Your power and joy. In Jesus name Amen.