Trusting in Christ Without Seeing

Text: 1 Peter 1:1-12

Reflection and Question: It is pretty clear that the followers of Jesus expected to see Jesus again in their own lifetime. Of course the time came when believers had to work out a different understanding of Jesus’ return. This greeting to Gentile Christians outside Palestine reflects a moment where both are expressed. On the one hand, salvation will come at the end of time; on the other hand, salvation is here, in the faith held without seeing Jesus. The writer acknowledges the conundrum when he concludes, “These are things that angels long to see into.” How do you see Jesus’ second coming?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, Jesus sent You to us to help us understand all things and to sustain our faith. Strengthen us as we ponder the mysteries of Christ spoken of by the prophets and the apostles. May our faith lead to the doing of Your will, we pray. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).