The first chapter of the book of Peter wrestles with some big ideas… the difference between the temporary and the eternal, the contrast between God and humans. Notice the references to important theological ideas like creation, resurrection, salvation, and eternal life.
I Peter 1:20-25
20 He [Jesus Christ] was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.
23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
24 For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.
Reflections
There are two things and only two things that will last forever: God, and God’s word. Everything else – including us! – will come to an end. Peter says that people are like grass, like the flowers of the field. They are bright and beautiful in the springtime, but come fall and winter, they fade.
So what hope do we have? The resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord! In him we have life. So believe the Scriptures when you read the good news of new life in Jesus. Be born again. And then proclaim to the world that which was preached to you.
Prayer
Enduring God, you have witnessed the rise and fall of every civilization, the passing of every generation. We are but a blip on the timeline of eternity. So hold us secure in your love, and grant to us the good news that is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We pray in his name. Amen.
