FAITH: A Treasure Far More Valuable Than Gold
The Market Church, built in 1529 and 1554, is located in Halle, Germany
Martin Luther preached in this church. The mold of Martin Luther’s face and hands are on display in this church. As his dead body traveled through Halle, they took a molding before they continued on their journey with his body. This lifelike crucifixion, featuring horsehair on Christ’s head, is breathtaking in its impact.
Photo taken by Lisa Stenger (2010)
Read: 1 Peter 1:3-12
I once believed that my failure was the end of who I would be in life, marking the end of my hopes and dreams. It turns out life’s failures and hardships are what deepen my faith toward a greater purpose, a life worth unconditional love and grace. These challenges truly test my faith, leading to a more genuine belief and in being a witness to God’s promises.
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 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 honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV)
How do you explain something that can’t be seen?
I've been struggling lately with how to share my faith with non-believers. As our worship leader began the service by reading 1 Peter 1, tears filled my eyes. "That's it!" I thought. How could I have forgotten the very essence of my faith?
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV)
I suddenly felt a deep desire to be with Jesus, to walk with Him, to be loved by God, and to hear His Spirit speak to me. Through that desire came praise to God in my heart. I was reminded of all that God has done for me. I expressed my devotion to the One who had promised me a place in heaven. The author of this scripture shares that through Jesus, we belong to the family of Abraham and are part of His family. We are invited to sit at His table because we belong there only because of what He has done, a full table offering of His grace and forgiveness.
One final thing that stood out to me was the end of verse 12.
“Even angels long to look into these things.” (1 Peter 1:12b NIV)
Even the angels are in awe at God’s gift of grace, which is offered to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The angels yearn for deeper understanding, and we, too, should desire that same passion for knowledge and curiosity about God’s ways. We are filled with the glory of God and saved by the death of Jesus, which delivers us from all our sins and blesses us with eternal salvation. He sends His Holy Spirit to dwell within believers, guiding and supporting us. He never leaves us alone! How intimate is my Father in Heaven?
To find the treasure in faith, start by tapping into the Living Hope that comes from Jesus’ resurrection. We can unlock a powerful new identity in these five areas found in FAITH:
Focus on your relationship with Christ
Assured help from God for everything we face
Individually, we are growing in maturity and godliness
Tested in difficult situations through our failures and hardships
Hope in the promise of our eternal home in heaven
Prayer
Lord, I rejoice and shout praise to bring all glory and honor to you. I do not see you, but I see you in others and all around me. I love you! Your love for me is indescribable and brings me joy. I praise you, for even though I do not deserve it, you wash me clean, white as snow, erasing my sin. I praise you, for I am not forgotten. You invited me into your family because you want me there. Continue to work within me and help me to grow. My hope is in you alone. Amen!
