October 6, 2022 - 1 Peter 1

Our readings, recently, have tended to focus our thoughts on heaven and eternity. For us our hope is not a “pie in the sky” silliness; rather, it is a sure hope, a hope assured by the resurrection. How merciful is our God, that he has given us life abundant and eternal, which enables us to look forward to “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you [us], who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1:4,5).

I suppose that thoughts of heaven grow more frequent and are enjoyed more and more as one grows older and heaven draws ever nearer. I will say this, in a fallen world in which we are “grieved by various trials” (1:6), we desire to live godly lives here and now but we also long for and are assured of a wonderful life in heaven with the Lord. What assurance! And, so, we can sing -- Actually, we did sing this great old hymn, last evening, at Baxter. Thanks, Virginia and Levi! -- with Robert Lowry:

Shall we gather at the river,

Where bright angel feet have trod;

With its crystal tide forever

Flowing by the throne of God?

Yes, we’ll gather at the river,

The beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river

That flows by the throne of God. --- Robert Lowry (1864)