Daily Devotional for Tuesday 8th October
The Core things of God
Our faith must be anchored in the timeless nature of Christ. But how do we know that a faith in Christ will hold up during the storms of life? Peter tells his readers it’s because this is no ordinary faith, it is a tested faith. Countless people have placed their faith in Christ and found the anchor holds. Peter survived some incredible storms of life, and he says here is what he found the faith of Christ to be when it was put to the test.
Peter found a tested faith is valuable (v7). He uses the image of the goldsmith who would melt the metal down until it became a liquid. All the impurities would come to the surface and the goldsmith would scrape them off and allow the metal to cool. He would then come back and repeat the process over and over. His goal was pure gold. How did he know when he had pure gold? When no impurities came to the surface or when he could see his reflection in the melted gold.
Peter says that our faith is like gold, as it is tested, it will begin to bring the impurities to the surface. When the impurities are removed our faith becomes more valuable. But while gold is valuable, it is secondary to our faith. Gold can perish, but our faith will endure. A faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of God's only Son is far more valuable than gold. Our faith is in something eternal, not in something that can be destroyed.
Peter also in verse 7 shows how faith is revealing. The goldsmith knew that he has pure gold when he can see his reflection in the metal. Our faith should reflect Jesus and reveal Him to a world. As we grow in Christ, we learn more about Him and His love. It is only through a life given to Christ will we begin to see Him as He really is.
As our faith begins to reflect that deeper knowledge of Jesus our lives will begin to change. When we live differently, because our faith is growing, those around us will see the difference. Our life begins to reflect the image of Christ.
Then in verse 8 Peter writes that faith is centred on our love for Christ. He talks about how we love Christ even though we have not seen Him. In Hebrews we have the definition of faith, "Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). The essence of faith is that it does not require our sight or proof. But notice that faith is "reality". Just because something is not seen does not negate its existence. Peter says that real faith is loving a Christ you have never seen, but still know exists.
Time to reflect…
Peter wants to offer support of the exiles facing dislocation and suffering but his letter is also intended to remind its readers of the fundamental truths of the way of Jesus. So this was not the time to soften the teachings to make them more acceptable. Neither is it for us in our society. Truth is a concept under attack today so we too need to have the fundamentals brought to our attention again.
Pause to pray…
Father God, may we be people who worship you in Spirit and in truth - in our church and in our lives. Amen
