“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
1 Peter 1:8
When Jesus comes into our hearts, we experience what someone called “the expulsive power of a new affection.” This love was born in our hearts when He died on the cross, taking on in Himself everything that was unsatisfactory in us. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
Sometimes we think of how marvelous it would have been to be with Jesus during His earthly time. Peter, who was with Him throughout His ministry and clearly valued Jesus’ life in his heart, points out that this “inexpressible joy” is in each of us, too.
I once visited an ancient Egyptian temple along the Nile River which 6th century Christians had adapted as a church. They had scratched out the animal faces of old gods and replaced them with a fresco depicting the Last Supper. Later, invaders scratched out most of that painting, leaving only the faces of two disciples looking to a now-unseen Jesus. Their faces emanated inexpressible joy as they gazed on the unseen One. He may be unseen to us, also, but He is known deeply in our hearts.
Sometimes we think of how marvelous it would have been to be with Jesus during His earthly time. Peter, who was with Him throughout His ministry and clearly valued Jesus’ life in his heart, points out that this “inexpressible joy” is in each of us, too.
I once visited an ancient Egyptian temple along the Nile River which 6th century Christians had adapted as a church. They had scratched out the animal faces of old gods and replaced them with a fresco depicting the Last Supper. Later, invaders scratched out most of that painting, leaving only the faces of two disciples looking to a now-unseen Jesus. Their faces emanated inexpressible joy as they gazed on the unseen One. He may be unseen to us, also, but He is known deeply in our hearts.
Scripture Focus
1 Peter 1:3-12
Insight
Can people see in your attitude, your demeanor, and even the look on your face that your heart is filled with the joy of Jesus?
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 14-15
- Psalm 7
- Matthew 12
