Living In Hope of Easter

1 Peter 1:3-6 is a passage that speaks to the living hope we have in Christ, made possible through his resurrection from the dead. Peter writes, "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" (1 Peter 1:3).

This living hope that we have in Christ is not a hope based on wishful thinking or empty promises; instead, it is a hope grounded in the reality of Jesus' resurrection. Jesus conquered sin and death through his death and resurrection and made it possible for us to have new life in Him.

Peter acknowledges that this living hope does not exempt us from trials and difficulties in life, and he says that these trials refine our faith and strengthen it. "In this, you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 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" (1 Peter 1:6-7).

As we celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, let us remember the living hope that we have in him. Let us hold fast to this hope, even amid trials and difficulties, knowing our faith will be refined and strengthened through them. And let us thank God for his great mercy and the new life that we have been given through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.