The Gift That Just Keeps on Giving
In 1st Peter 1:3-7, the Apostle Peter was writing to Christians who were experiencing hardship. Peter praised God because, “In His great mercy, God has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
Peter continues and identifies this living hope as an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade (1 Peter 1:4).
Everything in this life will eventually pass away. That is why we have to continue cleaning out our refrigerators. It is the reason we pay attention to expiration dates. Expiration dates only exist because everything in this world perishes, spoils, or fades. However, your inheritance in eternity does not. Your inheritance is kept in heaven for you, and given to you at the return of Jesus.
This sounds great! Peter even acknowledges that in this we must greatly rejoice. The problem is what Peter says next: “Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6).
Grief in trials? Really, Peter? I want to greatly rejoice in my inheritance without suffering grief in any trials.
If we are honest, most of us have thought what good is an eternal inheritance if I have to suffer now?
During times of stress, it is hard to remember that our earthly life is only a short amount of time compared with eternity. It is surely better to endure trials in this life and enjoy our inheritance for all eternity in the next life.
So are you struggling with something today that is painful? Probably. In the difficulty remember your eternal inheritance will last a lot longer than your sufferings. Our eternal inheritance is the gift that will keep on giving forever!
