Thursday :: October 11 :: 1 Peter 4

My mind is on suffering today. Christ suffered a lot during his life - besides the obvious death on a cross issue - - He traveled around with no home (no place of security), his earthly family was a little bit of a mess (no dad and a mother who had a clear favorite no doubt brought some interesting dynamics), he was rejected by his very own creation too often, and he had the power of all the universe at his disposal but couldn't use it.

Peter reminds us today that having "it all" on earth really is an empty hope. Christ demonstrated that by having nothing spectacular while on Earth. He was clearly not bent on getting anywhere here ... he was focused on living for His Father's Kingdom and doing His Will. Are we that focused on the big picture? Or do we get frustrated with our current sufferings and cry foul?

Wierd Verse Alert: Remember that really wierd verse yesterday about Jesus preaching to the dead in Noah's day? (3:19-20) Look at v6 > "For this reason the gospel was preached eve to those who are now dead,k so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit." At first glance, I'm thinking Peter is really caught up in this idea of getting another chance after death ... but a little research helps me on this one. There was a strong belief that Christ was coming back (which He is) before the Believers would face death. That first century church was really convinced that His return was going to be days, not years and definitely not centuries. So, when there were Believers dying they started facing persecution about that. Peter is saying "even those who are now dead, were preached to and will be receiving their judgement. It's okay to die a Believer in Christ - He will still receive you." This was said to help those who were afraid to die without seeing Christ in the flesh. Make sense? Interesting for our day and age.

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God." (11)
Do your words represent what you think God would say? Are you ashamed of your words?

"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength that God provides." (11)
Are you weary of serving in your own strength? Are you relying on God to renew you?

What do you do when you suffer? "To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (11)