It’s amazing what treasure can be unearthed with metal detectors! In this season of Easter, let’s rediscover the greatest unburied treasure of the Resurrection.
The Apostle Peter reminds us that God ‘has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.’ (1 Peter 1: 3,4). What does he say about this treasure?
On the one hand, it is the reason for hope. Peter was writing to Christians in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) who faced persecution under the Emperor Nero. In an uncertain world we know that Jesus suffered, but by His resurrection has secured eternal life for us. This inheritance not only guarantees life now, but also for eternity, as it ‘is kept in heaven for you’ (4). Do we share this confidence? D.L. Moody, the 19th Century American evangelist, spoke of the time when people would read his obituary: ‘Don’t believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now’.
On the other hand, this treasure is a source of joy. This unburied treasure fills us ‘with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.’ (8,9). We face all kinds of trials in our lives, but God uses them to refine our faith and character, ‘These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ (7).
We reflect this treasure by developing the Jesus’ character and becoming more holy, obedient and loving.
‘Christmas is the promise, and Easter is the proof’!