I Peter 2:19-25
Some people think that when they accept Jesus as their Savior, then all of the problems and difficulties they have in life will be over. Perhaps they were told that by another Christian. Yet when they became a Christian hardships and difficulties still happened, and it seemed that the closer they walked with Jesus, the more opposition they faced. Today’s Scripture passage comes from an epistle or letter that the Apostle Peter wrote to Christians who were suffering some terrible persecution for their faith, and who faced hardships and difficulties each day. In our passage we will read how to handle opposition and persecution that comes our way.
No one likes it when they are unjustly treated. We try to live a good, upright life, do our work well, and then we get mistreated, perhaps by our boss or co-workers, or maybe a neighbor, or even someone we thought was a friend. How do we react at these times? Do we accept it, with faith in God, trusting His sovereign care? Or do we respond in anger or discontent? Believers will sometimes be treated wrongly and unfairly in life. Peter instructs his readers here that if we act commendably, it will glorify God (vs. 21). Jesus is the pattern for Christians to follow, as He unjustly suffered, but responded with perfect patience.
Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan (Matthew 16:21-23). The suffering He endured was for our salvation (Matthew 20:28). All believers who seek to follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer, as well (Mark 8:34-35). Jesus is our example in everything, including our example in suffering. Often when we are ill-treated we want to fight back, to get even with those rotten, good-for-nothings that did us wrong. However, Jesus did not fight back (John 19:10-11). He showed perfect love and forgiveness (Luke 23:34). When we submit to God’s will, showing a godly example, others will be drawn to Jesus (John 12:32).
Sometimes some of our suffering is the result of our own sins or mistakes (vs. 20). The suffering, persecution, and opposition that Peter is talking about here, though, is not one that we brought upon ourselves due to our own failings, but the suffering that comes because we carry the Name of our Savior, and our doing good in His Name. Jesus never sinned, but He suffered to bring us salvation. We should face suffering as He did - with patience, calmness, and trust in God. Jesus did not retaliate (vs. 23). Throughout His ministry, when the Pharisees and Jewish leaders hurled verbal abuse His way, Jesus never answered back in kind. And when they arrested Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, beat Him, and had Him crucified, Jesus did not fight back, though all the power of Heaven was at His call. Jesus left the judging to God. Instead of retaliating, He forgave. Jesus handed Himself over to God, suffering in silence, because He trusted in God’s sovereignty.
Jesus is not only our pattern to follow, but He is also our substitute (vs. 24). He took upon Himself our sins, and was punished for them. Those who have accepted Jesus as Savior are now dead to sin because He paid the penalty for them. We have risen to a new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our Shepherd (John 10:11). He is also our Overseer or Bishop, leading the Church (vs. 25). Jesus has gone before us, clearing the path. We need to follow His example, and trust God to deal with the wrongs done to us. Like a child does with their parents, we need to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes we do right, and get kicked in the pants. We are not deserving of sympathy when we are punished for doing wrong. However, God is with us when we suffer for doing right, for following Jesus’ example. When we endure suffering, others can see the Lord’s power to help His children, and will be drawn to Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment