◄ What Does 1 Peter 5:11 Mean? ►

Peter begins his first epistle with a most glorious doxology, praising God and exalting His holy name: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," he writes "Who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." And his wonder, excitement, and joy in the Lord is not diminished at the end of his letter, for we find him continuing to rejoice in the God of his salvation and lifting up the name of the Lord: "To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

In his first epistle, Peter reminds every believer that in Christ we have a living hope and a sure salvation. As children of God, His grace and mercy have been poured out upon us in unlimited measure, and we are the beneficiaries of an eternal inheritance reserved for us in heaven, that can never, ever pass away. He sustains us through every trial and difficulty. His goodness, kindness, and mercy are beyond measure. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms, and His love for us is everlasting. No wonder Peter concluded His epistle with the doxology: "To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever."

In His grace and power, we have been indwelt by the Holy Spirit Who is conforming us into the likeness and character of Christ, while building us up into a spiritual temple for His honour and glory. And our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who suffered and died on our account, gave us the perfect example of how to live the Christian life to the glory of God.

We are exhorted to be kind-hearted to one another, showing brotherly love, gentleness, goodness, and grace. We are to be humble in spirit, not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, rather we are to offer a blessing to those that insult us in the same way that Christ's self-sacrifice showed love for us. We are also exhorted to serve the Lord with eagerness and humbleness, not taking this service for granted, but recognising the great honour it is to fulfil the work He has given us to do. This gives glory and honour to our Father in heaven and He alone is worthy of all praise and dominion, both now and forevermore.    

We live in a fallen world where sin has irreparably blemished God's glorious creation, and where the devil is always seeking to devour us. Suffering for the sake of Christ is the inevitable consequence of trusting the Lord Jesus for our redemption, but Peter reminds us that if we stand firm in our faith, relying on the Lord and proclaiming His name, we can resist the devil.

We can even rejoice in our suffering, because when our faith is tested God will be with us, and His grace is perfected in our weakness and our helpless estate. And in the end, God will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us in every good word and work, and we will receive an unfading crown of glory. What a powerful reminder of the glory and majesty of our Heavenly Father, Who is always there for us, and to Whom we can always turn for strength and comfort: "To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever."

Let us take a moment to consider the importance of our praise for God. We are called to glorify Him and to speak His praises continually. May we take every opportunity to give Him the praise and worship He deserves, for He is the source of all good things.

Let us also give thanks for the great gift of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He and He alone is the One Who makes our relationship with God possible. He is our Sovereign Lord Who has given us the ultimate example of love and sacrifice. Let us always remember to give Him the praise, honour, glory, and blessing He deserves: "To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." 

Praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! AMEN.