Tues.’s Devo. The Good News!

Read 1 Peter: 1: 1-5

Now that we are finished with James it just seems right to go on to see what Peter had to say. First Peter was written to the Christians living in various parts of Asia Minor who are suffering rejection in the world because of their walk. Peter calls them “pilgrims of the Dispersion” in verse 1. They were mostly converted Gentiles who were once lewd, drunkards, and idolators. Their friends are now seeing the change in their lives and persecuting them for it. It is now about 60 years since Jesus ascended into heaven and his followers have multiplied in number.

Peter was an apostle which means he was a delegate sent from God to do miraculous deeds. Since he is writing to the converted Gentiles he explains how they are now “in the family”. They were called before the foundation of the earth, made righteous through the Holy Spirit, and believed that the blood of Jesus would cover and take away their sins. He prays grace and peace for them. In verse 3 he explains their condition with God. They are blessed with God’s mercy which gives them hope because he is alive and death could not conquer him. Now they have received the inheritance Jesus died to give them. This inheritance can not decay, be watered down, but is perpetual- it continues to live forever. And the best part is that it is reserved in heaven for all of us who are kept by the power of God in this salvation which will mature at the end of time.

I can’t imagine how this good news of the gospel sounded to the early believers who had never heard of such a promise. It probably sound just as good to the ones who have never heard of it in our day. Let’s get out and share it!