Holding on to Hope--1 Peter
Wednesday, May 19
Today’s verses: 1 Peter 3:13-17
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
As we continue in our chapter, I have been thinking of Peter, the one thorough whom God chose to write His words. Let me remind you of a few things concerning this apostle that Jesus himself hand-picked. First of all, Peter was a rather impulsive individual. A lot of the time, he acted or spoke before he thought things all the way through. Remember, he jumped out of the boat, wanting to walk on water, then realized he was human? I also thought about the night of Jesus' betrayal in the garden, when he drew his sword and chopped off the ear of a Roman soldier. And of course, we know of his three-time denial of Christ, when only hours before, he had declared his full allegiance.
But now, we read his letter to these early believers. My, how Peter has changed. He is an unshakable rock of strength! He confidently writes of hard topics such as submission to authority, unity among the brothers, cultivating a tender heart, seeking peace, and not repaying evil for evil.
I'm wondering if, after Jesus' ascension, Peter mentally relived every day that he walked alongside his Savior. How did Jesus treat people? How did he endure hardship? How did he submit? In my application study Bible it said that Jesus' first words to Peter were, "Come, follow me" (Mark 1:17) and his last words to him were, "You must follow me" (John 21:22). And now, Peter is encouraging these persecuted believers to do the same. He looked to Christ as the example and writes, "Be tender hearted", "Bless those who curse", "Abstain from evil", "Be zealous for good works", "Share your hope with gentleness and respect". He can write these directive words that sometimes seem the "weaker way" because he knows that God is ultimately in control. He says, "Have no fear of them (those who cause suffering), nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy." God, who is holy and sovereign, sees and knows and cares for his people, both then and now.
Can we trust God enough to obey these ancient words in the midst of our situation today? Take a few minutes to reread 1 Peter 2 and 3. What does this God-inspired letter tell us to do? If we understand fully that God's word is true and his presence is real, then we can obey the straight forward commands even if they seem "backwards" in our circumstance. Peter learned to put his sword away. He learned how to suffer like Christ for the purpose of God's glory, and he learned how to act and react among both believers and nonbelievers, again, for the glory of the Lord. The same Spirit that transformed Peter's heart is the same Spirit that can help us do the seemingly impossible thing today. Who is the difficult person in your life that needs to see and experience Christ through you?
Hold on to this hope found in God's word for us today: But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed (v. 14).
A reading of 1 Peter 3: https://youtu.be/kSREN7E5Y4E
Jesus,
You are our living hope! Help us to follow in your footsteps, in thought, word and deed. Thank you for being our example, showing us how to relate to others, even in trying circumstances. Fill us with your Spirt and cause us to walk in your ways. Be glorified through us as we trust in you. Amen.
