Reading: 1st Peter 1:3-9

1st Peter 1:4 – “You have a pure and enduring inheritance that cannot perish – an inheritance that is presently kept safe in heaven for you.”

In our passage today, Peter writes of the inheritance kept safe for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Before turning to that, though, a question: What have you inherited on this earth? For example, from my parents I inherited these things: the desire to teach, the drive to work hard and do my best, a love of family, a heart to serve others. In my parents, I saw these things lived out and made the intentional choice to take these as my own. I’ve also inherited things from friends: construction skills, interests… What have you inherited as you’ve lived this life? And perhaps more importantly, what will others – friends, family, strangers – inherit from you?

In verse 3 Peter reminds us, “You have been born anew into a living hope.” Through faith in Jesus Christ we are made into new creations. While the “old self” dies, we are not 100% new. We maintain those parts of ourselves already aligned with Christ. Yes, the sinful parts of us die away as we walk deeper into our saving relationship with Jesus. (Some of these things may have been inherited too.) The “living hope” that we walk in day to day does yield the “pure and enduring inheritance” that Peter speaks of. As we walk in faith, the Spirit keeps this inheritance safe, leading and guiding us to walk daily within the will and way of Jesus Christ. Thank you, Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Lord God, first, thank you for all who have poured into me to make me who I am in you: family, friends, pastors, teachers, bosses. And thank you for the ways you’ve used me to pour into others. And most of all, thank you for the example of Jesus and for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit – they which secure our place in your eternal home. Amen.