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Hello my “Walking with Jesus” friends,
I invite you to take just a moment and reflect on the world in which you and I live. Where do you see great ‘suffering’ today ? How about Lebanon and a terrific explosion killing hundreds of people, destroying huge portions of Beirut, and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless? Or the locust plague in East Africa totally destroying crops and bringing famine to millions of people. Or riots in the streets of Belarus, in response to a suspicious election? Or the damage of natural disasters like typhoons in Asia, or hurricanes in the Caribbean or earthquakes? Or ongoing riots in the streets of several American cities? And of course the global Coronavirus pandemic that simply refuses to release its grip on every corner of our world. Suffering… hundreds of millions of people are suffering in our day.
This week we’ve been looking at Peter’s remarkable letter of encouragement to Christians across the Roman Empire in times of great suffering, similar to our time. Our anchor verses have been 1 Peter 2:9-12, as we consider this question: “What difference should God’s people be making in such times of great suffering and turmoil around our world?”
This question is further complicated by the harsh reality that in many parts of our world God Himself is unwelcome, and God’s Word the Bible, historically the source of great comfort, is outlawed. Churches are being destroyed. Christians are rounded up, arrested, persecuted or even killed. Christian radio and TV stations are destroyed and Christian internet sites are being blocked. So what is God saying to HIS people in such a time as this?
Peter writes: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of HIM who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light…I urge you as aliens and strangers in this world to abstain from sinful desires which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans, that though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they will glorify God on the day He visits us.” (1 Peter 2:9-12)
This weekend let’s conclude our study in 1 Peter by looking together at chapter 4. Notice how the first few verses of chapter 4 link with Peter’s statement in chapter 2 “…that you may declare the praises of HIM who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light…”. Do you see the power of Peter’s claim: “…he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires but for the will of God.”? I wonder how much more time you believe you may have in your earthly life… and what your priorities will be?
Peter challenges us with these words: “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:7-10)
Now remember Peter is writing to migrant Christians most of whom have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution. Do you see how Peter is prioritizing the wonderful unity of Christian love and service, which Jesus prayed about in John 17 just before He went to the cross? Everywhere I’ve ever been around the world, these words of Peter are the living evidence of God’s people as they love and care for, and serve one another, especially in desperate times. May I ask, do these verses describe you and the Christians in your city?
Peter continues: “IF anyone speaks he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever!” Our words and our loving, humble, self-less service as Jesus followers, bring great glory to God because it is NOT natural, especially in difficult times when most people are caring only for themselves.
Finally Peter writes: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Jesus Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of God is upon you…If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed but praise God that you bear that Name…” You and I, my friends, are living at a time when this is reality in almost every region of our world. God’s people are suffering greatly, often in response to their good deeds, their kind words, their efforts at serving other people in desperation. Why?
Our fellow Christians are suffering all forms of difficulties and persecution, much of which is in direct opposition to Jesus and rejection of God and His Truth! And because we, God’s people, come in His name, that is why the persecution is aimed at us. Jesus said it this way: “If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world…if they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. They will treat you this way because of My Name, for they do not know the One who sent Me…In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 15:18-22; 16:33)
And so Peter concludes his letter of encouragement in the face of suffering with these words: “… stand firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To HIM be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:9-11) Oh what a good word of encouragement for all of us. God’s Presence is with us in the suffering. God is SOVEREIGN over all including over whatever is causing our suffering! We are God’s people who belong to Him! God’s powerful Holy Spirit sustains us in our suffering. And God’s eternal glorious heaven awaits us after our suffering is over! May Jesus Christ be greatly praised as you and I walk with Jesus during these difficult days… making a difference where-ever you live in this dysfunctional world, as a follower of Jesus who is likely viewed as an ‘alien’ because you are so much like Jesus!
Oh Lord Jesus, thank you for this study this week on 1 Peter.
Bible images provided with attribution to www.LumoProject.com.
Click to read today’s chapter: I Peter 4; I Peter 5:9-11. (At the top you can choose a different translation.)
Have a comment or question about today’s chapter? I’m ready to hear from you, contact me here.
Pastor Doug Anderson 262.441.8785
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)
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