What Happens Next预览

Have you ever wondered why silver and gold are so often used to make jewelry? And why has gold, particularly, been the traditional metal used for wedding bands? Wedding bands are what most people consider their most precious piece of jewelry. Why gold?

The answers to these questions are both practical and symbolic. Silver and gold are rare and valuable. People in love are likely to describe their partners as rare and valuable, and so silver or gold is given as a symbolic gesture. Practically speaking, gold is both durable and malleable. It’s a metal that jewelers can easily fashion into unique designs while trusting that it will stand the test of time.

But if you’ve ever looked in the jewelry case at an antique store, you know that silver and gold don’t really last forever. They tarnish and turn brown and green as they age.

First Peter is a letter written to Christians scattered across the Roman empire. Many were oppressed. To this audience of suffering, marginalized people, Peter essentially says, “You matter to God!” By comparing the blood of Jesus to precious metals like silver and gold, Peter is pointing out that God has spared no expense to bring people to him. As you ponder the end times this week, consider that God gave up his most precious commodity—his own life—to ensure that people could escape the tribulation and suffering of the end times.

As Pastor Max Lucado said in the video, you were “bought with a price.” In God’s eyes, you are rare and valuable. You are worth every ounce of spilled blood.

Reflection

What makes you feel valuable?

When do you feel closest to God?

Consider meditating on today’s passage of Scripture for several days. Let it sink in, deep down, that God highly values you.

Prayer

Thank you, God, for sparing no expense for me. Thank you, Jesus, for your willing death on the cross. You have redeemed me. I worship you as my savior. I look forward to the day when I will be united with you in a new and profound way. Amen.