In an earlier, not as common version of our Apostles Creed, there is the part that says, "I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead (hell, some other version says). The question was asked, "What of those who did not hear the Gospel or Good News about Jesus?" The answer, Jesus took care of it. While dead, Jesus visited and preached the good news to those who were dead, and as Peter shares, "they will still get in on the life God has given in Jesus." We can spend days and weeks discussing this point, but what Peter is saying is that is how powerful this Message is, that it even reached those who died before Christ was born. For us the living, Peter continues, that he believes Jesus is coming soon and we must be busy at work reaching those who have not yet heard nor believed in Jesus. I love the phrase, "Stay wide awake in prayer." In other words, work and pray, study and pray, live and pray; never stop praying! But beyond prayer, we are to love each other as if our very lives depended on it. Peter knew the power of love and thus shares, "Love makes up for practically anything." (v. 8) And then a brief list of things we should as believers do, either through our individual efforts or through the ministries of our church: Feed the hungry. House the homeless "cheerfully." Be generous with what God has given you, sharing them with those who need them, denying no one. And I love that Peter adds, "If words, let it be God's words." In other words, our sharing of the good news should be in our actions and the way we live our lives, and if necessary we can use words and if we do need to use word, let them be those God has shared. Our assistance to others should be abundant in love and in the way it meets the needs of those whom we are led to help.
Our lives should reflect the presence of God in our lives. It should be so in all things we do, so that all honor and glory be given to God, not us.
PRAYER: God of love and compassion, may I seek to live a life that radiates Your presence and love in a way that helps bring hope and comfort and the needed things of my neighbors who live in need. May I truly be about sharing what You have shared with me in ways that helps the Message of Your love be spread throughout the world. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
P.S. Prayers for personal matters in our family, and for safe travel for Nellie and I as we fly tomorrow to Chicago for a meeting. Blessings!
