"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE"
1st Peter 5:12 Beloved, do not think it
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing happened to you;
1st Peter 5:13 but rejoice to the extent
that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is
revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Please notice how God through Peter
addresses His children. "Beloved" which simply means, dearly beloved, or
well beloved, or worthy of love. So, for those of us, who have come to
faith, we are His "Beloved"
2. Another thing that God says to us, is
"do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try
you, as though some strange thing happened to you:" There are not many
things in life, that are more fiery of a trial, then the loss of a loved
one. But, we do lose loved ones, and it is painful. But, the Lord is
giving us some comfort here in saying that these types of trials do
come.
3. And, there is additional comfort in
verse 13, where it talks about our own being in heaven someday. We will
see His glory, and we will rejoice with exceeding joy. I'm certain that
much of that joy will be in seeing our loved ones who also had come to
faith in Christ.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for the hope we have in Christ. Surely there is a hereafter, and our hope will not be disappointed.
Help us Lord while we are down here to
find comfort from Your Word, as we receive it, and let it dwell within
us, and respond to it.
We love You.
In Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
