Mission Which Looks to Christ’s Return
1 Peter 1:3–9
Have you ever seen one of those trick candles which are impossible to blow out? The gathered crowd sings ‘Happy Birthday’ before the unsuspecting recipient blows out the flame, only for it to reappear!
When Jesus died on the cross, the authorities thought they had snuffed out a troublesome character, but he rose again and was seen walking the streets just days later. Then, after a few weeks, he ascended into heaven. Once again much of the world seemed, and still seems to think that is the end of the story. But just like the flame on that candle, we can be sure he will return!
Faith more precious than gold
Having caused us to look back to the death and resurrection of Jesus, Peter now urges us to look forward to our future hope. That hope lies in the day when Jesus Christ is revealed. It lies in the perfection of God’s plan, His power to make it happen, and His determination to accomplish all he has set out to do. And because God is going to fulfil his mission, our faith is more precious than gold.
Praise, glory and honour
That precious faith is not only about our personal salvation. It contributes to something even greater! Our faith will result in praise, glory and honour as Christ is revealed; as we celebrate all that has been achieved for us and for God’s glory in and through Him.
We will praise God for choosing us as His people. We will give Him glory for achieving His incredible purposes through the death and resurrection of Jesus. We will give Him honour as the almighty and merciful God, who has shielded us through all kinds of trials. This is what we look forward to. This is our future hope.
The hope of the nations
This is the only source of truly good news for the nations. The message of Jesus’ death, resurrection and impending return is the only source of meaningful, eternal hope for people from every tongue and nation. But how can they believe if they have not heard? And how will they hear without somebody taking that message to them?
How wonderful it is to partner with those sharing the gospel and bringing more people to faith right across Asia, so that God’s praise might be amplified even further ahead of Christ’s return!
Lord, build Your church we pray!
Read more…
Mission as God’s chosen people (1 Pet. 1:1–2)
Mission which looks to Christ’s return (1 Pet. 1:3–9)
ALL BLOG POSTS