DAY #335: 1 Peter 2:1-25

Many of the readers of this letter, slaves who had become Christians, would have known all too well what it meant to patiently endure unfair treatment. It would please God if these believers trusted him as they endured “pain” (referring to mental, not physical, anguish) caused by unjust suffering. Being patient for the sake of their conscience means that when they suffered, they were remembering God’s care and love for them even as they suffered. They focused on the fact that they were suffering injustice as Christ had suffered injustice, and they knew that one day God would right all wrongs. This gave them the proper attitude, enabled them to persevere, and kept their practice from being mere passive acceptance.

While bearing the pain of unjust suffering is commendable before God, there is no special commendation for patiently bearing punishment that is deserved. The word for beaten means to strike with one’s fist. Christian slaves who patiently endured suffering when they had done nothing to deserve it would please God. However, if they suffered for doing wrong, then they would get no credit.

Why have believers been called to suffering? Because such suffering was endured by Christ. Jesus had told Peter and the other disciples at the Last Supper: “A servant is not greater than the master. Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you” (John 15:20). When we patiently suffer injustice, we are following our supreme example in Christ.

That the believers were to follow in his steps means to follow in Jesus’ complete peace and trust in God. Christ has given believers an example of how they are to face injustice and persecution. Peter set up Christ as the model for the believers to follow; his example would have greatly comforted these believers, who soon would be persecuted for their faith. They should face injustice from harsh masters or from other authorities with supreme dignity, trusting God’s control.

Peter quoted from Isaiah 53, Isaiah’s prophecy about the suffering of the coming Messiah. Christ’s suffering was completely unjust because he never sinned or deceived anyone; there was no good reason for his being condemned to death. From personal experience Peter knew that Jesus was perfect. He had lived and traveled with Jesus for three years. Intimate relationships often reveal the worst in people, but Peter had seen the truth of the prophet’s words. Christ was completely sinless in his life and in his words.

“He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.” Jesus did not retaliate nor did he threaten. How tempting it must have been to expose the liars at his trial, to come down from the cross in a great display of power, or to blast his enemies with God’s wrath. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

Jesus suffered patiently because he knew that God would have the final say. Jesus regarded God as sovereign, so he put the outcome of his life in God’s hands. Believers can entrust themselves and their suffering into God’s hands. Knowing that God will ultimately right all wrongs is a great comfort to believers who are suffering, and it helps them respond correctly in their sufferings.

In a transaction we cannot comprehend, God placed the sins of the world on Jesus Christ, so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. Because all our wrongdoing is forgiven, we are reconciled to God. All who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior can have this new life and live in union with him. Our evil desires, our bondage to sin, and our love of sin died with Christ on the cross. This is called substitutionary atonement. Jesus died as our substitute; his wounds have healed ours.

This passage is a great reminder that whatever trials and difficulties we might face, the Shepherd will always be by our side, and the Guardian of our souls will protect and seal us for eternity.


SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Pedlowe, humble yourself - just like Christ. Follow His example in this way. Lord, help me to entrust my life, my family - COV - every detail of my life to You. Lord, you know I like to be in control. Break me of that. More of You and less of me.

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30 (NIV)

Lord, protect Drew as he flies home this morning. Watch over him and bless him. Lord, protect Sharon and Katie in Alabama. Lord, work in our church. Grow our church. Grow and mature our people. I love you Lord.