Each of us looks for something that will last. In this passage,
our instincts about permanence get flipped on their head.
The enduring character of what God has done for us in Christ is
contrasted to “perishable” silver or gold. If the ads on television
serve as an indicator, “perishable” is not the first thing jewelers
want coming to mind when we think of silver or gold. These are
precious metals, the stuff out of which we make our most enduring
artifacts. But perishability is a matter of perspective.

The passage points to two items sturdier than gold or silver.
The first is “the precious blood of Christ.” The combining
of scripture passages suggests we read this in light of Psalm
116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his
faithful ones.” Certainly Jesus’ death was precious in the sense
that it was costly, perhaps too costly to comprehend. His resurrection
and continued pursuit of us in love, destined before Creation,
draws us into God’s eternal intentions for the flourishing
of the world. That is secure footing, indeed.

The second source of enduring value is “the living and
enduring word of God,” described as “imperishable seed,” reminiscent
of a teaching of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel: the word as seed
scattered across the world (8:4-15). This word is “the good news
that was announced to you” (1 Pet. 1:25). This is the gospel in
all its fullness, the message Peter preached at Pentecost: Though
we have made ourselves God’s enemies, God nevertheless pursues
us in love. Jesus’ resurrection evidences the unchanging
nature of that pursuit. Not even our enmity can turn back the
love of God. Not even death can overcome it. If we set our hope
on God, we will not be disappointed.