The Lord provided everything we need to live a godly life. We have come to know him who has called us to follow him. He has sent us into this world to shine his light into the darkness. And he never asks anything of us that he did not provide beforehand. Today’s verse says that he has given us great and precious heavenly gifts.

 

What is so precious and great about the calling of Jesus in our lives, and what did he provide for us to live a godly life? In this series, we have seen that our lives are a precious first gift. In Ephesians 1:4-6, we read: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will –to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” In Psalm 139:13-18, we read that we were woven together in our mothers’ wombs, we were fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and all our days were ordained in his book before they came to be. Life is a precious gift from God’s hand to us.

 

Peter said that our faith is a gift from God. We have received it by God’s grace. We received the message of God’s love for us and we replied with joy. The most beautiful promise is our Lord Jesus himself. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Years later, John added in 1 John 5:12a: “Whoever has the Son has life.” The Lord has also promised us his Spirit, who will be with us always and lead us into the truth (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit has given us his gifts that we may be the body of Christ in this world, serving him and one another (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). And God has given us his Word to lead us on the path of life (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

 

When God calls us to follow him, he promises us his Son as Saviour and his Spirit as our Counsellor. By the power of the Spirit, we bear witness to him (Acts 1:8). The Lord has given us life and faith, and then he asks of us like to the prophets: “Whom shall I send?” (Isaiah 6:8). May we take the promises of God to heart and reply like Isaiah: “Here I am, Lord, send me!”

 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your promises and the amazing life you have given me. Help me to trust and honour you with my life. Amen.