Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 142nd. Edition.
Dear Ambassadors of the Risen Lord,
We return to the theme of suffering yet again in today’s passage (1 Peter 4:12-14). These early Christians were persecuted so much that it was constantly on their minds. Peter recognized this and took the time to encourage them. Often, perspective determines whether we succeed or fail, because motivation is tied to the way we see things. Peter wants us Christians to have the right perspective on suffering.
*Remember* (v. 12). Christians should not be surprised when they suffer. Jesus was persecuted and he warned his disciples that the same lot awaited them (John 15:20). The Apostle Paul tells Timothy that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). It seems that Peter is actually anticipating a “fiery trial” that is about to afflict the Christians (as if they had not suffered enough, already). He is saying to them, Brace yourselves.
*Rejoice* (v. 13). We aren’t just to grudgingly, or even stoically, endure persecution. We ought to rejoice, because suffering for Christ makes us partakers of his suffering, meaning that we share in the suffering he went through. Of course our suffering cannot ever compare to that of Christ, but we gain a kinship with Christ as “comrades in suffering.” There is a special honour attached to suffering for the Lord Jesus. The apostles rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer for His Name” (Acts 5:41). And Peter here implies that when Christ is revealed in his glory, it will be a special moment for those who suffered for his name.
*Reflect* (v. 14). Our suffering is not in vain. It enables us to glorify God. Because the Spirit of God, whose mandate since Pentecost is to glorify the Lord Jesus and the Father (John 16:14-15), and that Spirit rests upon us, the outcome of our suffering is the glory of God. We must always bear in mind that God has called us, not to comfort, but to glorify him.
The question we ought to settle in our minds is, If his glory comes through my suffering, am I willing to suffer – will I rejoice, even, in my suffering?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.