Monday, August 7, 2023

          A benediction is a kind of blessing.  We often hear benedictions at the conclusion of worship services. We offer them at weddings and funerals. We can even read benedictions in the Bible. Peter offered a benediction near the end of his first letter.  He wrote this letter to believers who were scattered and dispersed among the provinces that he named in 1:1. He began his letter with an encouraging welcome and ended with a warm and heartfelt benediction.  In his own words, Peter wrote, “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (I Peter 5:10).  These stirring words are a strong encouragement to us today.  There are at least four lessons we can learn from this apostle’s benediction. 
          First, we always want to live in an awareness of God’s grace.  Grace is the primary way that God relates to us.  Grace is that amazing divine kindness we have not deserved; it is unmerited favor that we cannot acquire by ourselves or by anything that we might do.  Any grace that we receive originates with God’s kindness and generosity.  We have not done anything to receive it.  Grace is not a paycheck from heaven’s bank for work that we have completed on heaven’s behalf.  Grace sustains us and empowers us.  It is by grace that we are saved.  It is through grace that we serve the Lord and make Him known to others.  Grace anchors us and comforts us.  Grace equips us and enables us.  Grace is always present with us when we worship, live by faith and serve the Lord God.
          Second, God has called us to His “eternal glory.”  This world is not the end.  This life does not simply sputter and end.  We are living in anticipation of a greater life and a greater destination.  We are to live in view of eternity at all times and in all ways.  Through Christ, we can be confident that we will be with the Father one day.  If life gets frustrating or overwhelming, remember that one day you will be with the Lord.  You will leave behind the things of this world to embrace the eternal blessings that God has prepared for you.  Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:3 that “God has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” 
          Third, Peter acknowledged that we will suffer “a little while.”  There is no such thing as a life without adversity, pain, conflict or challenge.  Often, if we make a commitment to follow Christ in faith and discipleship, we will encounter difficulties and demands.  We should prepare ourselves to know that we will face some hardships and challenges.  But, like Daniel did, we “continue.”  We do not throw in the towel or give up.  We continue—continue to worship, to serve, to live by faith, to live humbly and to hold on to Him.  We deceive ourselves if we think we can live without challenges or adversity.  Peter’s benediction was designed to encourage and bless us during these things.  We are encouraged that we are not alone.  We have the peace of God, the promises of His Word and the presence of other believers who stand with us.
          Fourth, Peter promised that God does four things for His people.  He restores us, makes us strong, makes us firm and keeps us steadfast. What an encouragement to read about all that God does.  And only He could do this for us.  God is developing and discipling us all the time.  To restore means that the Lord repairs us and makes us complete in keeping with the will and purposes that He has for us.  To make strong means that the Lord helps us to become resolute people who are not easily deceived or misled by changing winds and whims.  To make firm means to anchor one in the right foundation—a foundation that is lasting and certain and not subject to erosion or collapse.  To keep steadfast means the Lord has planted us in good soil.  We have a foundation that can nourish us and feed us and keep us still and sure when challenges and threats come.
          This benediction from Peter is a solid education in the Christian faith.  The Lord saves us and develops us.  He transforms us into disciples who can lean into Him and resist the winds that rage and blow against us.  On some occasions, those winds are profoundly strong and threatening.  And during those times, we return to Peter’s words to remember who God is and what he has done.  We remember what He has given to us and what He has done for us.  Have a great Monday and remember you can worship any time you like at YouTube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.