Assurance-filled Children of God
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 1:8-12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets … spoke of the grace that was to come to you …
1 Peter 1:10
Does God really love me as the Bible says he does? Does my life really matter much to God? Peter learned that the answer is yes (see John 13:34-35; 15:917; 21:15-17), and he understood that others hunger for the same assurance.
The Bible is God’s grand story of assurance. It reveals God’s faithfulness through the prophets, those bigger-than-life figures like Abraham, Moses, David, and Isaiah. It also reveals God’s story of deliverance for every individual who turns to Jesus. The apostle Peter teaches this through his discussion of the prophets.
The prophets spoke a message of grace for each one of us. They also searched—they hungered to know how their words would be fulfilled in Christ. They also served. The Lord revealed to them that they were servants of grace to us.
Ultimately the prophets share the joyful message that life and hope are found in Christ alone. The whole recorded drama of the Bible is for us! As a familiar song puts it, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
Perhaps lingering sin or unhealthy habits or questionable attitudes are eroding your assurance of Christ’s love. Yet the Bible says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Is there any better assurance than that?
Dear Lord, sometimes we wonder whether you love or are even interested in us. When we doubt, grant us assurance; and when we feel lost, pour out your love, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
About the author — Calvin Hoogendoorn
Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn serves as senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Previously he served two churches in Illinois. He and his wife, Carla, have three daughters.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!