Praise God for a Certain Hope

In the classic television game show, Let’s Make a Deal, contestants competed for the chance to choose a door that concealed a prize. Winners would decide whether to open door 1, 2, or 3. If they chose well, they might receive a dream vacation or a shiny new car. But if they chose poorly, they could end up with a year’s supply of chili or a pet goat. Often the valuable prize they hoped for was not behind the chosen door.

The early Christians lived for a certain hope in Christ Jesus. This hit home for Peter, a disciple and close friend of Jesus. After recognizing his failure to stick with Jesus (Mark 14:66–72), Peter moved from the inner circle to the outskirts. That is why three days later, the angel told the women at the empty tomb to go “tell his disciples and Peter” that Jesus was alive (Mark 16:7). Imagine how Peter felt when he heard that not only was Jesus alive but He still wanted to include him.

No wonder Peter started his letter talking about his living hope in the living Jesus (1 Peter 1:3). For Peter, his life changed that Sunday morning, and it changed for you and me, too. Peter wanted those Christians, and us, to know we ought to praise the Lord because of Jesus’ power over sin and death. Our inheritance in Christ Jesus is “kept in heaven” (v. 4), and it’s so much more than a game show prize. Phil Wickham’s song Our Living Hope sums it up well:

“Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
Jesus, Yours is the victory!”

Pray with Us

Today is Day One at Moody—a time when future students and their families get acquainted with MBI and its faculty. Dr. Heather Shalley, VP of Student Enrollment Services, appreciates your prayers for this important milestone for future Moody students.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini is Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. He is the former President of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously served as an Associate Minister of Preaching and Teaching in Spokane, Washington. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children reside in Northwest Indiana.