1 Peter 1:3-9 English Standard Version

Born Again to a Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Living by faith is a daily occurrence for us and such a part of our personal experience with Christ that we might forget just how precious our faith is in this relationship. While reading these passages we might fixate on issues that are important to us as individuals for various reasons. Some need hope and grasp hope as an inner strength that we might not feel we possess. Others latch onto inheritance as a thing to be achieved, worked for, and a motivational tool. Others need to feel the words “being guarded” because they feel they are under attack. We might even warm up to the phrase “kept in heaven” because it indicates it cannot be taken from you.

Faith however is how we obtain the outcome that is promised. How precious is that?

Leviticus 25:4 English Standard Version (ESV) but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard.

Yesterday’s offering left of with the flesh crying out “What about me?” Let me be clear about that comment, it was meant for those who are in full time service positions. It was not meant for the layperson.

The issue of a sabbatical is traditionally linked to this passage and is adapted in some form or other to indicate that our full time service providers in the service gifts are subject to burn-out. Tis follow-up is not about judging those issues. Those decisions are handled at a leadership level and not subject to alterations by blog writers.

What is being addressed is the issue of the flesh crying out for attention. It is feeling neglected and the root source of neglect is often found in relationships. Whenever we are hearing this in our self-talk, we should examine the concept of expectations. Some expectation is not being met. It could be nothing more than the neglect of others to show appreciation of effort. Routine is the enemy of appreciation.

Is it that simple? No. Relationships are complicated and nothing is ever just that simple. What should happen is the admission of the feeling and identification of the source of neglect. We feel neglected for a reason and the reason might not even be caused by current relationships. It could have begun in the past where issues cannot be resolved because of deaths and separations. Then we are left with the inability to resolve those issues with that relationship.

We do however have a current relationship with which complete understanding is possible. We can take it to the Lord. There is no issue so slight or trivial which the Lord will not listen and provide truth to set us free from the burdens of unhealthy self-talk.