Have you seen the new television commercials for Newfoundland and Labrador?
One I saw last night began by showing iconic images of the region, including shots of the ocean, beautiful mountains and valleys, quaint fishing villages, wide open spaces, and lighthouses. Interestingly, no one says a word until the thirty-eight-second mark of the one-minute-long commercial and even then, there is just a cryptic message about setting your imagination free. No one mentions the cost of airplane tickets, or how busy the hotels are in the summer. The Newfoundland and Labrador tourism board seems to understand that if they can get you to dream about a vacation there, the cost and the hassle will be irrelevant.
Peter understood that principle as well. As he begins his first letter, he draws the most beautiful picture of faith and the Christian life. He says, “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, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).
We do not serve a mean, nasty God who is out to get us. Rather, God is rich in mercy! He wants to have compassion on us and longs to forgive and help us (Isaiah 30:18). It may sound strange, but God is cheering for us! That is an image worth dwelling on.
Peter also states that we get to live a new life that is infused with new and active hope! The Christian life is not all about drudgery. In fact, it is about experiencing God’s blessings. Even our troubles can be used for our good if we allow it (verses 7-9).
On top of all of that, Peter says that we are shielded by God’s power. We are protected, cared for, and watched over. We are not alone! We have heavenly help in all circumstances.
Too many people dismiss faith because they have pictured it incorrectly.
When we see the beauty of what God has done for us and what he offers, nothing will keep us from it.
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