Reading: The Cross of Christ pg. 303-307
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2.18-25
…the cross of Christ is a stimulus to patient endurance. Even though suffering has to be recognized as evil and therefore resisted, there nevertheless comes a time when it has to be realistically accepted. It is then that the example of Jesus, which is set before us in the New Testament for our imitation, becomes an inspiration. Peter directed his readers’ attention to it, especially if they were Christian slaves with harsh masters during the Neronian persecution. It would be no particular credit to them if they were beaten for some wrongdoing and took it patiently. But if they suffered for doing good and endured it, this would be pleasing to God. Why? Because undeserved suffering is part of their Christian calling, since Christ himself had suffered for them, leaving them an example, that they should follow in his steps…Jesus set an example of perseverance as well as of non retaliation, which should encourage us to persevere in the Christian race. We need to “fix our eyes on Jesus,” for he “endured the cross, scorning its shame.” So then: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb 12.1-3) | Stott pg. 306, 307
How does patiently enduring bring glory to God? In what ways do you need to be patient with your circumstances?
Lord, teach us to patiently endure the things of this life that cause us sorrow. We can’t see past our current sufferings but we trust in Jesus alone to make all things right, and work all things for our good. Amen