Lively Hope

I Peter 1:3 says, "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," (KJV).

Peter denied Christ three times and so perhaps on a personal reflection; His resurrection from the dead meant mercy and hope.

Otherwise, if Christ was like anyone else who dies there would be no second chance to resurrect a relationship following a bitter refusal to acknowledge Him during His final moments. Those who experience betrayal don't readily trust or believe no matter what our beloved friend tells us. Sometimes the break of trust is too difficult to mend and over time the friendship dies.

Following His glorious resurrection Christ asks Peter, "...Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:17 NIV).

Scriptures don't record Jesus being angry or berating Peter for his betrayal. Instead, Jesus acknowledges something Peter had overlooked. Peter truly loved Jesus evident by his tormented weeping (Luke 22:62). Perhaps, there was a fear that he had become a Judas of sorts. Crossing a line in a relationship that will never be made right. But Jesus focuses on this strong love this man had for Him. So, He gave Peter a commission to take care of His sheep.

In other words, Jesus was saying it's time to move past failure and look at what you possess - a love for me - and that love must be shown in taking care of My church.

A lively hope has purpose and direction.

Since we love and serve a risen Christ, we have a lively hope. This supernatural hope will not die and can't be taken from us. A hope that is bigger and brighter than our shortcomings and failures. A hope that resides deep within and keeps rising up even in a generation when many are distressed and despondent.

Peter embraced this lively hope for the love of Him. The more you love Him the greater the hope. Stay close to Him, my dear friends. He is your life and breath.

But hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has come in, overflowing our hearts by The Spirit of Holiness who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5, Aramaic Bible in Plain English).