Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

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1 May 2010
Passage:  1 Peter 1:1-21
Focus:  “Shielded by God’s power.”  1 Peter 1:5

Do you remember the behind-the-scenes conversation between God and Satan as presented in the book of Job?  Satan is functioning in his role as the “accuser of the brethren” and holds that there is no such thing as a genuine believer who lives for God even when the going gets tough.  He asserts that all believers are only so because of what’s in it for them personally.  When God points out Job as a man of sound faith and integrity, Satan responds, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?  You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land,  But stretch your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face” (Job 1:10-11).  Satan, of course, was wrong in his judgment of Job.  But the neat thing to note here is that God didn’t deny the “accusation” that He had a hedge of protection and blessing around Job.  PTL!
            Consider again the words of Peter in today’s reading.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he 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—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are SHIELDED BY GOD’S POWER until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).
            Think of it.  You are privileged to live within the hedge of God’s protection and blessing.  In Him you are as indestructible as the roadrunner who is constantly sought by the coyote.  As long as you tie into the faith that Peter defines, you are SHIELDED BY GOD’S POWER.  It’s another way of saying, “your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3).  That is cause for rejoicing.  Haleluia!