1Pe 1:3, 4 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, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
As we approach the end of the 3rd Quarter of 2022 we consider the third in our thoughts of “Unhindered”, our theme for this year at School of Tomorrow®, Philippines. I asked the Lord what He would have me share with you along this course of thought. I believe that the two passages which came to me are pertinent and applicable for us in the opening days of recovery from the effects of the pandemic lock-downs. Yes, schools are opening up and will be in full operation by the first of November, and we, with our unique system of individualized education, are ready to demonstrate what God has blessed us to offer.
First there is a “Lively Hope”. The power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is our strength. It is proof of our confidence (what hope really means)! No other faith can point to a more perfect illustration of the vitality of their faith than this. Our Lord and founder is one who died for us, but rose again to demonstrate the power of His life! And as we are connected to Him, we share that life. We, by faith, have come into the realm of super-natural power for life! A VITALITY that cannot be matched in others who claim to have answers for life’s perilous path. This “Lively Hope entitles us to an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled and unfailing! What a HOPE! What a LIVING hope!
Second in chapter 2, verse 5, Peter says we are “Lively Stones” because we are connected to the “Living STONE”. We have a purpose: the building of a spiritual house, or a dwelling for our Lord to demonstrate His grace and love. We are also a “holy priesthood” so that we can offer up spiritual sacrifices. Our lives take on meaning and purpose as we are connected to Him.
As I considered the term “Vitality”, I thought of dividing the word like this: VITAL + I + Ty. This is to say that our role is VITAL. We have a necessity to demonstrate that real life experiences of living must be offered in the ups and downs, the good times and bad, which come. The sacrifices of our lives are to be to God and there is nothing more pleasing to Him than for us to offer our lives in thanksgiving. Paul writes in 1 Thess. :18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I must be thankful (the Ty), so that this world can see there is joy even in the distressing times of life, because I am alive in HIM!
Being Unhindered in this area of thankfulness is not only proof of our relationship with the “Living Stone”; it is the demonstration of our Vital, essential and necessary contribution to our world. Let us never forget to be thankful. Let our voices lift praise to Him in all things. Yes, let’s be VITALLY involved. Let’s be seen as an illustration of Him living through us.
Because He lives, we can also live.
Rev. Delbert Hooge
Executive Director