1 Peter 1:3—“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Writing to believers who lived as strangers and would face various trials (vv. 1, 6), he first directs them to praise God by recounting what He has done for them. The Father “hath begotten us again”. Just as we did not bring about our physical birth, we could not give ourselves spiritual life. Our new birth comes from God’s “abundant mercy”.

This new life brings us into “a lively hope”, a living hope grounded in the risen Christ. It reaches far beyond the wish that our present circumstances might improve. Its foundation is “the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”. The Saviour who died for sinners is alive. Because He has risen, those who belong to Him may look forward to the eternal inheritance Peter describes in the next verse, an inheritance that cannot perish or fade (v. 4).

Trials can make the future seem uncertain. However, Peter reminds them that their hope rests on an event God has already accomplished: Christ has risen. Their present troubles cannot undo His victory. Because He lives, the inheritance awaiting them is as certain as His empty tomb.

If you are weary, bring your fears to the risen Lord. Give thanks that your new life began with His mercy, not your merit. Ask Him to help you endure today while you look toward the inheritance He has promised. With Peter, bless the Father who has given His people a living hope in Jesus Christ.