… he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
–1 Peter 1:3b-4
What does Easter mean to you? Has it become personal? It is so important that you realize that Jesus died and rose again just for you. He wants you to accept his gifts of forgiveness, eternal life, and resurrection power. They are yours.
But maybe you’d say, “Jack, I don’t deserve these gifts. I’m not worthy.” Well, that’s true; I’m not either. But they are ours regardless of how worthy we are. And if you don’t believe me, just consider the testimony of Simon Peter, the man who wrote the Scripture verse you see at the top of this page.
Simon Peter loved and followed Jesus with deep devotion. But he was also a man who failed Jesus miserably. When the Roman guards came to arrest Jesus just prior to his crucifixion, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times in order to preserve his own life.
Peter was devastated by his personal failure. He thought his life was over. But God had another plan! And everything changed when Peter met the resurrected Christ. Jesus forgave him and restored him. And Peter became a changed man… a man who ultimately changed the world for Jesus.
Have you encountered the resurrected Christ? You can! Let Jesus do for you what he did for Peter! There’s living hope through the resurrection of Jesus!
HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED THE RESURRECTED CHRIST?