1 Peter 4:12-19

1 Peter 4:12-19 

English Standard Version 

  "Rejoice when you suffer" hasn't been a very popular recruiting line in the church.  Some churches out there will tell you that being a Christian will make you suffer less.  Some people will even say that if you're suffering, that means you're not a strong enough Christian.  Those people are wrong. If they were right, then how do you explain Jesus?  He was the most perfect Christian that ever lived, and he suffered more than anyone else.  He suffered more than all of humanity, and it wasn't because he wasn't a good enough Christian -- he did it because we fell short and because he loves us.  

  Suffering will always be hard.  There's never an easy way through it.  But when we suffer, it can be a reminder to us of God's tremendous love for us, and it can help us remember to give thanks for all that God has done for us.

1 Peter 4:7-11

1 Peter 4:7-11

English Standard Version 

  It's easy to despair.  There are plenty of reasons... the latest news of the latest tragedy.  It breaks your heart to read the news, to see what people go through.  Some things in the world simply make us angry, while others leave us at a loss for words.

  Scripture reminds us to be dedicated to a life of prayer.  If we keep at this, it reminds us to love one another and use our gifts for the good of the world.  To remain faithful, day by day, in the face of incredible adversity, is a tremendous gift to the world.  Be steadfast in the face of opposition, remembering constantly that it is the strength of God at work in us, moving through us and out into the world.  Only through God will the world be saved, so let us not grow weary of doing good but persevere for the glory of God!

1 Peter 4:1-6

1 Peter 4:1-6 

English Standard Version 

  When I was driving in Atlanta, it required a different way of thinking.  To follow the speed limit was to risk life and limb.  Obeying traffic laws could imperil you.  To drive the way that I drove in Cincinnati would've been futile.

  This letter is suggesting the same method to us.  When we convert to being a Christian, we can't keep living like we did beforehand.  We should see the world differently, and that should change the way we act.  Our suffering should no longer lead us to despair, but rather we abide always in hope, for the time in which the passions of the flesh reigned has past, and we now live with Gospel hope in the Kingdom of God entwined deep in our hearts.  Chasing worldly pleasures that lead us into places of division cannot satisfy, for we have heard whispered in the depths of our hearts the truth that will truly satisfy, and therefore the devil's empty promises ring hollow.  We know they are lies, and because we have heard the truth, our appetites have changed.  

  We watch the world and wonder if things are really fair.  They are not, fortunately, for we who deserve death are given life through Jesus Christ, thanks be to God.  God alone is the judge, and we must entrust that the God who comes as judge is the same God who comes as Savior.  What will happen to those who choose evil?  We cannot know.  Will they receive the blessed mercy that Christ offers?  Will they see the error of their ways and repent?  Will they know the truth and be set free by it?  Will they perish, clutching at their empty idols?  

  We don't know.  May we have the humility and wisdom to pray for all, and to trust in God.  

1 Peter 3:18-22

1 Peter 3:18-22 

English Standard Version 

  As we draw nearer to Christmas, a few things happen.  You start to feel like the season is racing by and you're not ready for Christmas, and the inundation from commercials becomes unbearable.  Maybe Christmas traditions help anchor the season by providing things to look forward to or celebrations that remind you of the connections we have, but it's so hard to stay focused during Christmas.  It always seems to me like the next thing is bearing down on me.

  Scripture has its ways of reminding us of the miracles of God's love.  The more we read, the more we listen, we see and hear God's promises appearing over and over.  They overlap and intersect, with Noah pointing ahead to Jesus and Jesus pointing back reminding us that God has been at work this entire time.  All of Scripture is a gift, sent to affirm our belief, to push us beyond our comfort level, and ultimately to treasure God's presence and seek out God's guidance.