Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 148th. Edition.
Dear People who Consider it Worthy to Suffer for the Name,
Today’s passage (1 Peter 5:7) is often read without consideration for the context. The larger context is that Christians were suffering in the face of rife persecution. The immediate context is the encouragement to be humble, submit to God, to established church authority, and to one another. It is not advisable to carry the weight of the threat posed by the enemies of the gospel, so
Unburden yourself of any concerns for your safety. Concerning this, Jesus asked his hearers, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature” (Matthew 6:27)? The tragedy of anxiety is that we often worry about things we have no control over and which we cannot change. In the meantime, we ignore the offer of Jesus to give us rest (Matthew 11:28). We should bring our burden of fear and worry to him.
Understand that he cares. God demonstrated his love for us when he sacrificed his son in order to save us (Romans 5:8). That is caring, especially when we consider that we were still sinners and not at all interested when he reached out to us. He promises peace beyond our comprehension if instead of worry, we would bring our every need and concern to him in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer is not an effort to convince a reluctant God of our need.
It is a response to the invitation by a loving, caring God to ask, and we will receive (Matthew 7:7).
What worries you? Pray. Do not waste God’s offer.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.