Hope Series Episode 20

Hope Series Episode 20

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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3

Hello, my walking friend! Engaging in regular walks strengthens the heart and circulatory system. Walking elevates heart rate, enhancing cardiovascular fitness and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It helps maintain optimal blood circulation, keeping arteries clear and promoting a healthier heart, ultimately improving longevity and overall well-being. So you are taking steps (get it, steps?) to be a good steward with your health when you take these walks.

Today is the 20th episode in the hope series and our verse to meditate on is:
1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Life often unfolds in unexpected ways, doesn’t it? Sometimes things happen in our lives that we don’t understand and we ask God, why? Why are you allowing this to happen to me? Why are you allowing all that is happening in the world? It’s easy to feel like he has let us go adrift, like a boat that has been cut loose from its anchor. We yearn for hope, a steadfast anchor to hold onto amidst life’s storms. Well, Jesus is the anchor we are yearning for. He is the light in darkness. He is the enduring hope that transcends the fleeting circumstances of our lives. Because, my walking friends, this life is fleeting! Listen to Psalm 144:4:
Man is like a mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow.

Now I’m not saying that to depress you – not at all! I kind of feel that way when I read Ecclesiastes. It kind of has that, what’s the p0int of life vibe, right? But life is not pointless, not at all, but it is fleeting! And if we spend too much time asking why instead of, well, what would you have me do, Lord? We can begin to feel hopeless.

But in this verse, Peter starts by acknowledging that God is the source of all blessings and hope. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” Our hope is grounded in the nature and character of God Himself. As we draw near to Him, we find an abundance of hope and blessings. And Peter sets an example for us – he says, Blessed be God. We can do that, too. Bless you, Lord, for faithfulness. Bless you, Lord, for being righteous. Bless you, Lord, for being my Savior. Think of the many, many things we could bless the Lord for!
Next Peter says, “He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith and hope. It signifies victory over sin, death, and the promise of eternal life. In Christ’s resurrection, we find a “living hope,” one that is vibrant, eternal, and transformative.

If Jesus hadn’t been resurrected, what hope would we have? But every prophecy about Jesus was fulfilled, including his resurrection. He died and rose from the dead so that we can live – both here on earth but, more importantly, eternally with him in heaven. But let’s not discount our new birth! What a gift to have a new birth here! To live a life that is pleasing to God! To be a part of his kingdom work! To be a light in darkness! To be a living testimony to our living hope!

And finally, there’s one phrase in the verse I haven’t touched on yet, and this one should give us tremendous hope: in his great mercy. God loves us, loves you, so much that he overflows with mercy for us. He doesn’t want to leave us in a broken world or in a broken state of being. He wants to transform us during our life here on earth – so you see, our lives may be fleeting but they are anything but pointless – so we can be a living testimony of his living hope. And when we take our last breath, our transformation will be complete. Listen to 2 Corinthians 5:1:
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.

So, no matter how hopeless things may seem, put your focus on Jesus. Bless him for his mercy and his great love for you. And ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with a heavenly hope.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse,
1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection.

How does the resurrection impact your perspective on life, death, and eternity?

How can the truth of Jesus’ resurrection bring comfort and assurance during difficult times?

Think of some ways you can practically live out the hope that Peter is talking about in this verse.

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:
1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:
Dear Jesus,
I know that there is nothing I can do to earn my salvation. Thank you feels so inadequate for such an outrageous, loving, sacrificial gift. But I do thank you. Holy Spirit, help me live my life in a way that honors my gift of salvation. Help my words and actions reflect the living hope that I have in you, Jesus, my Savior. When life is difficult, help me remember that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. But not worldly hope, but a living hope in you. I love you, Jesus, and I thank you for being my hope and for walking with me always. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, our living hope. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today.

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our series on Biblical hope. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.