Day 351

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Our Reward!

1 Peter Introduction

The Apostle Peter writes to scattered Jewish Christians who are undergoing intense persecution for their faith. He reminds his readers that "God . . . has given us the privilege of being born again" (1:3). Therefore, they shouldn't be surprised when suffering comes their way; they should expect it, prepare for it and respond to it correctly. He also encourages them to imitate Christ through a submissive spirit toward one another. If they do, God will richly reward them when the trials of life are over.

Scripture

December 16—1 Peter 1-5: Pain with a Purpose

Observation

Peter gives his readers in the midst of persecution and suffering "a true picture of the way God blesses," encouraging them to "stand firmly in his love" (5:12). God has chosen them in Christ Jesus with the guarantee that one day they will experience the full and final enjoyment of their salvation in his presence. Buoyed up by that hope, they can persevere through even the sternest trials, knowing their endurance under persecution brings great glory to God. And they can take heart that Jesus Christ has set the pattern by suffering unjustly without retaliation.

Application

When you suffer for doing what is wrong (such as going seventy in a fifty-five-mile zone), it is relatively easy to bear. After all, you merely got what was coming to you for improper behavior.

But what happens when you suffer for doing what is right (such as telling the truth . . . and getting fired for it)? Then you are faced with a choice. (1) You can respond like the world (retaliation and revenge); (2) you can respond like the Thessalonians (who thought they were out of God's will when, in fact, they were precisely in the middle of it, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2); (3) you can respond like the Hebrew Christians (who were considering abandoning their faith in Christ when the "heat" was on); or (4) you can respond like Jesus Christ (who entrusted his unfair treatment to God and returned love for hatred, 1 Peter 2:21-23). Take a situation in which you are suffering unjustly today, and apply one of the four solutions above—the one you know would please God the most.

Prayer

Dear God, we know that it takes a broad-minded and big-hearted person who knows your will to pray well. It is written that you upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. We want that kind of compassion to be present in our hearts when we pray and engage our thoughts in approaching your throne of grace. Broaden our views of you and your plan to save people and the universal need for all people to pray effectively—it takes a broad-minded people to understand you and your purposes in the Atonement to pray well. We want to have a big praying heart, filled with thoughts about and sympathies for all people. Please guide us in becoming more like Jesus every day. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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