Peter's Hope in the Risen Christ

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 spoil or fade.  This inheritance is kept in heave for you who have faith- shielded by God's power until the end.  (I Peter 1:3-5)

Thoughts: Peter, of all the apostles, was devastated after his denial and the crucifixion.  He recognized his shame and sin so clearly.  He had tried to be strong and brave- following him to the courtyard of the high priest, but his bravery cowered when surrounded by those who opposed Jesus.  But the risen Jesus gave him hope.  He called this hope a "LIVING HOPE."  Because Jesus is alive, we have hope- like being born again.  It is a hope that continues throughout our life and into our inheritance of eternal life.  Christ not only restored Peter to office, he restored his hope.  He wants to pass that hope onto us.  So we should pass our hope onto others.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your great hope given and confirmed by your resurrection. 

Peter restored