Book: 1 Peter 1:8

A Devotion for Easter Saturday, 04-18-2020: Though you have not seen Him

By James Wiese on April 18, 2020

A Devotion for Saturday of Easter week:

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him…and are filled with a joy that is inexpressible.”  1 Peter 1:8

“You bet,” said the builder.  “I’ll build you a house this spring.”  Hmmm.  Maybe not now.  If he does not build it, his words will pass away.  He can’t keep them.

Our words can pass away unfulfilled.  But Jesus said, “My words will never pass away” (Mt.24:35).  They always come true.

When He says, “I forgive you your sins,” you can depend on it.  When he says, “Because I live, you also will live,” you can depend on it.  When He says, “I am with you always,” you can depend on it.  When He says, “All things work together for your good,” you can depend on it.  “His word cannot be broken; it never passes away.”  He proved it by His resurrection.

It is a tragic shame when people doubt His words, like Thomas did.  Because of his unbelief, Thomas forfeited – for a time – the hope and the joy that Jesus’ resurrection brings to those who believe, even under the most trying of circumstances.

Peter continued, “You are filled with a joy that is inexpressible…because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (v.9).  “You are receiving….”  Notice the tense of the verb. It is a present tense.  It’s taking place now and is ongoing.

All the blessings of faith are yours today.  No pandemic, hardship, or worldly authority  can prevent it.  Even eternity is yours today by faith.  Remember, you’re but a stranger here; heaven is your home.  No, you don’t yet enjoy its perfect fulfillments above.  But right now, it is yours in faith. The Lord is with you and you are with Him.  You already live in the presence of God.  And one day it will reach its ultimate height when the risen Savior takes you home.  But the inheritance is yours today.

What joy this truth brings! What anticipation it fosters!  What stability it gives to life now!  By faith in the risen Savior the final goal is already yours.  That’s Christ’s promise; and His words never pass away.