Dear BRMC family,

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.
-1 Peter 1:3-4

What an awesome promise we have from God! As Christ’s followers, our hope is one of renewal, abundant life, and an unfading heavenly inheritance. The resurrection of Jesus makes our hope living and active, giving us confidence that, just as Christ rose from the dead, we too will, rise from the dead (Col. 1:18). We shall rise to receive an inheritance that Peter says is “incorruptible” and cannot degenerate no matter how challenging or corrupt our lives’ circumstances (1 Pet. 1:23; 1 Cor. 9:25).

It is easy to lose sight of this message in our fast-paced and ever challenging world. Many of us are burdened with personal struggles, whether in terms of health, finances, work, or relationships. Yet, the resurrection reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. Through His grace, we are invited to rise above our trials and embrace the new life He offers.

This Easter, amidst so much turmoil and uncertainty in the world, I urge all of us to consider the way in which Peter begins his letter. He does so by speaking a blessing on God. He doesn’t begin by focusing our attention on difficult circumstances or give us instructions on how to live our lives. He begins by calling his readers to stand and praise God.

Author and pastor David Helm points out that Peter’s introductory hymn of praise closely resembles an ancient Hebrew prayer called the Shemoneh ‘Esreh – The Eighteen Blessings – which were recited three times a day in the synagogue. Each one ended with the refrain “Blessed be Thou, O Lord.” Pastor Helm invites us to imagine the words “Blessed be Thou, O Lord” cascading fifty-four times a day from the house of the Lord.

It is a subtle goal. But Peter knows that reciting the blessing alone would bring the hearts and minds of the Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem and the temple. In this way, just one phrase would carry the people from wherever they had been scattered in hardship to the throne room of Heaven. The reminder to the exiles, and now also to us, is that with intentional and determined prayer, we can “come home” to God and stand in His presence. Encouragement and spiritual strength would surely follow.

This Easter, let us resolve to lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving always, celebrating the incredible gift of salvation that has been given to us. May our hearts be filled with the peace and joy that only the risen Christ can provide.

My fellow pastors Daniel, Kai Ming, Ben, Gilbert, Joshua, and the BRMC staff team join me in praying the blessings of the risen Lord upon you and your loved ones. Happy Easter!

In Christ’s love,

Rev Wendy Watson
Pastor-In-Charge

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