Our scripture this morning is 1 Peter 1:18-23.
For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.
Peter writes of Jesus that “God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake” (v. 20). His plan for our salvation wasn’t a last minute development, He was intent on saving us from our sin from the very beginning. Because we had a choice to sin, we also have a choice to repent and through Christ’s sacrifice, to be reconnected to God.
We hear that we have been cleansed of our sins and born again to eternal life because of God’s love. We are called to “love each other deeply” (v. 22) because of His grace and mercy poured out for us. Having received this gift, we are sent into the world to share His love everywhere.
It has never been easy, but we are never alone. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our comforter and guide, and when we rely on His presence, we can go confidently to carry out His ministry. The love of God compels and empowers us to be His people, carrying the Good News to everyone.
Loving Lord, the world is a dark place but You call us to be the light that shows people the way. Bless us to go in Your name, proclaiming the coming of the kingdom and sharing Your love. Amen.