“ 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 1:7
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
During this election year, we’ve once again witnessed what political scientists refer to as the ‘coattail effect.’ It’s when a candidate for one office wins, and then sweeps up others of the same party to victory as well. A popular online dictionary provides the following definition:
“ The tendency for a popular political party leader to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in an election. For example, the party of a victorious presidential candidate will often win many seats in Congress as well; these congressmen are voted into office ‘on the coattails’ of the president.”
Well, in the passage from 1 Peter quoted above we find a similar, but eternally more important and glorious example of such an effect. In the first chapter of his epistle, Peter is all but guaranteeing his readers that they will indeed suffer greatly for their faith in Christ (v. 5). Yet he also provides the blessed assurance that as they suffer, they are being protected by the very omnipotence of God the Father!
But then, the Apostle speaks of the divine purpose for the suffering that shall come into their lives. While the enemies of the cross seek their destruction, the Father uses their opposition in order to refine and strengthen their faith in Christ, as well as their unity as the very Bride and Body of the Savior. Such a realization in itself is all the grounds needed for rejoicing, even in tribulation!
But there is more to this message of assurance, and the subsequent exhortation to “ rejoice” always in Christ (v. 6).
Peter declares that something, which seems almost too good to be true, surely awaits them when Jesus comes again! At the Lord’s “ revelation,” or Second Advent, they will share in “ praise and glory and honor” (v. 7).
The exaltation and honor spoken of here rightly belongs to “ Jesus Christ.” That’s clear enough and easy to understand. But Peter is also telling us that Jesus will not be honored and glorified alone! We too shall be praised, and shall receive glory and honor at that last great hour! It’s as if we will ride to victory on the coattails of our Sovereign Lord and King when He is publicly inaugurated as the Ruler of all Creation! His victory is ours! His glory is ours! His praise is ours! And all of this for all eternity!
Then, if we truly believe this, we will be prompted and empowered to “ greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (v. 8 NASB).
My Dear Ones, this is how our Father wants us to live! Though we are in the process of being purified, sifted, and made stronger by the fires of testing and tribulation, we are to rejoice without ceasing on the basis of the promise that we shall receive all that Jesus receives on the Day of His vindication! While earthly, material things can and will be lost eventually, nothing can ever alter our destiny to share all that Christ possesses and is His by right!
I pray that you will find your encouragement in this one grand truth, and that we might stand together in joy until that Day that our Beloved Savior comes for us!
I love you all with all of my heart!
Mike