Reflection on 1Peter 1:1-7
“These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV)
Gold has been highly esteemed during the old testament. It has been a symbol of wealth and is often used as offering. (Numbers 31:50). Abraham, still called Abram that time, was considered wealthy in “livestock and in silver and gold”(Genesis 13:2). The Israelites brought gold with them when they went out of Egypt (Exodus 12:35)? It was mentioned 491 times in the old testament alone. It is a sign of wealth, prosperity, and favor from God, as gold was abundant in the time in Israel during the time of King Solomon.
Yet this passage in 1st Peter encourages us that our faith is of much greater value than that of gold. 1st Peter was written by St. Peter to Christians who are undergoing persecution that time. He persuades them that their suffering is only for the meantime while what they have their hope on is something timeless. Gold is often a symbol of timelessness. But 1 Peter states that although it takes long for gold to corrode, it is still bound to perish one way or another. It is not so with faith in Jesus. The present suffering is just a refinement. The same way that fire refines gold. But since our faith is of much greater worth than gold, it is bound to come out more precious.
God bless us all and keep the faith intact.
“These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV)
Gold has been highly esteemed during the old testament. It has been a symbol of wealth and is often used as offering. (Numbers 31:50). Abraham, still called Abram that time, was considered wealthy in “livestock and in silver and gold”(Genesis 13:2). The Israelites brought gold with them when they went out of Egypt (Exodus 12:35)? It was mentioned 491 times in the old testament alone. It is a sign of wealth, prosperity, and favor from God, as gold was abundant in the time in Israel during the time of King Solomon.
Yet this passage in 1st Peter encourages us that our faith is of much greater value than that of gold. 1st Peter was written by St. Peter to Christians who are undergoing persecution that time. He persuades them that their suffering is only for the meantime while what they have their hope on is something timeless. Gold is often a symbol of timelessness. But 1 Peter states that although it takes long for gold to corrode, it is still bound to perish one way or another. It is not so with faith in Jesus. The present suffering is just a refinement. The same way that fire refines gold. But since our faith is of much greater worth than gold, it is bound to come out more precious.
God bless us all and keep the faith intact.
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