1 Peter 1:17-21
If you call on the Father who judges impartially, according to the work of each person, conduct yourselves during the time of your pilgrimage in reverence because you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, not with things that pass away, such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like a lamb without blemish or spot. He was chosen before the foundation of the world but revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him, you are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory so that your faith and hope are in God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We call upon you today to be with each of us as we go about today’s business. May we hold you with reverence for all you have done for us through your plan of salvation which was for Jesus to redeem us from the calamity of our sins. Peter wrote that our old life handed down to us was empty, and living a life that chases after one evil to another is a meaningless life. We think, “If only I had this or that, how much better my life would be?” But, the truth is without you, all the world has for us is hollow, like water vapor, as Solomon wrote. Lord, you know the desires of everyone’s hearts and how they search for those things of substance. A fulfilling relationship, a job with meaning, the toy that would seem to bring some joy and fun. While these things may appear shiny and wonderful, they still leave our lives empty without you. We become like dogs chasing their tails, just wearing ourselves out trying to put some meaning in our lives.
However, you put meaning into our lives; that reason for us to live. It’s not just for this life we live, but it’s the promise of heaven. This life is but fleeting here today and gone tomorrow, and eternity will never end. Our iniquities separated us from you, so Jesus went to the cross, paying for their punishment. You provided the way for all people through your Son, our Savior. Jesus came to this earth as that spotless lamb without sin. We have been given life in him; his perfection was credited to us, so you see us through your Son. He died and rose again; Jesus defeated death. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have eternal life, our sins are forgiven, and the promise of heaven is ours.
What is the meaning of life? It is your will that we would be your children and live with you in heaven. We are not robots that automatically serve you, but through faith in you and, for Jesus’ sake, we have been adopted into your family. This adoption makes us your children, and it is ours through faith alone; because you raised Jesus from the dead, we too will be raised. The promise of heaven is ours through faith in Christ. We pray for opportunities to share the meaning our lives have with others who are still searching because they do not know you; give us the words to share with them. Amen
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God’s plan of your salvation was from the creation of the world. He sent his Son so you would have eternal life. Why you? Because God loves you!