Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 126th. Edition.
Dear Saints,
Today’s passage (1 Peter 21-23) expounds on the theme of mistreatment and suffering from the previous passage. In a word, it is saying to us that this is what we should have expected, right from the beginning.
Example (vv. 21-22). These verses tell us that Jesus left us an example to imitate. He was blameless in deeds and words, yet he was made to suffer. The words of Jesus to his disciples just a few hours before his arrest are worthy of note, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Elsewhere, Paul implies that suffering for the sake of Christ is a special honor (Philippians 1:29).
Expectation (v. 23). Jesus did the exact opposite of what one would expect of a person who is treated unfairly. When mocked, he did not return the insults; when he suffered, he did not utter a word of protest. The reason for this is that he trusted the justice of God. Paul writing about this says, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Following Christ is not easy. Worldly wisdom counsels vengeance; godly wisdom tells us to repay God for evil.
The choice is simple but not easy, to go Christ’s way or the world’s way.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.