“Blessed
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His
abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”
1
Peter 1:3
What does it mean to be born into a living hope?
When Peter wrote about a living hope it’s clear to me that he was describing a
new way of life. Though I don’t use the word “begotten” every day, frequently I
do think in terms of a new way of living. It’s what Eugene Peterson calls living
the “resurrection life”. Peterson’s language reminds me of two critical facts
that define my existence. First,
it’s a reminder that the significance of the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead is not obsolete. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection
change everything. My past is forgiven. My present is vibrant. My future is
promising. Second, the resurrection
of Jesus issues a call for change. Because I have gained a “living hope”, life
is different. I am engaged in a dynamic process. I have been changed and I am
being changed by the presence of a living Savior. The challenge is clear. Learn
how to mature in the resurrection life. Peterson describes the journey with the
risen Savior this way:
When
we practice resurrection, we keep company with Jesus,
alive and present, who knows where we are going better than we do….The practice
of resurrection is an intentional, deliberate decision to believe and
participate in resurrection life, life out of death, life that trumps death,
life that is the last word, Jesus life…Real life, in a world preoccupied with
death and the devil.
The difference between death and life is dramatic.
Not only is new life possible, it is God’s plan.
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