Living Hope in a Dying World

Blessed be the God and 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 that 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. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Peter wrote that God had “begotten us again unto a lively hope.” It’s not a weak hope, a postponed hope, or a theoretical hope. Peter says it’s a powerful, lively, living hope. We are not gathering to remember a past miracle that God has performed, but rather because we have a very present revelation that God is with us. That’s the hope and the power that sustains us.

Peter says that hope comes from the “resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Resurrection was not an event. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." Jesus’ resurrection is the announcement that Heaven has already won over every battle you face. Living hope does not come from trying harder. Living hope comes from being born again into a new, resurrected reality.

Then Peter explained this hope and said that this inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading. Hell can’t steal it, pressure can’t take it away, and time can’t erode it. This is why praise matters. Praise does not create the power of God; it is we who acknowledge His power by faith. When you praise, you remind your mind, will, and emotions of what your spirit knows is genuine. Although you live in a dying world, you have living hope in Christ.

Practical Application

Let your family hear your praise and see your joy when pressure tries to make you panic. Resurrected people do not accept numb faith. Praise and remind your soul what you believe.

Ephesians 1:3; 1 John 3:3