Nov 16 2021

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.

Today's Bible verse comes from the opening of Peter's first letter, which he writes to Christians who were being persecuted throughout Asia Minor. He tells them that even during this time, they can have "lively hope" because of Jesus' resurrection. Let's examine the concept of "lively hope," which we're privileged to have open to us today. The resurrection revealed that God has power over everything, including death. Prior to that, death was seen as an end, something that no person could avoid, much less come back from. When Jesus died on the cross and three days later walked out of the grave, He showed that the Lord had power over the worst thing that could happen to a human—death. He revealed that even death does not have the final say. The verse reminds us that the resurrection happened as a result of God's abundant mercy. It was the final piece in His plan for our salvation, but it came at a very high cost: the crucifixion. Jesus was willing to die so that we might live. He had no reason to give up his life except for love, but this love was strong and He decided to show us mercy.

We serve a God for whom nothing is impossible. We have experienced many miracles in our own lives, the greatest of which was our salvation. It is a miracle for any of us to desire to know God; the fact that we know Him and want to know Him more shows that He has worked a miracle in our own hearts. This is comforting, reminding us that God is still working within us today. He has performed a resurrection in our own hearts! We have a lively hope in Jesus because we know He is alive. We know He answers prayers every day and that He is near us when we call out to Him. He is good to us, and we can rest in Him and the hope of His resurrection forever.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for Jesus, who is the source of all my hope. Thank you for the resurrection, which proved your love for me once and for all. There is none like you, and I am so grateful for my salvation. In Jesus' name, amen.

Nov 15 2021

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