WORD ALIVE

 1 Peter 5:1-11

THE GLORY IN HIS SUFFERING

    The word 'suffering' is not celebrated in our generation. Even in Christendom, we are not comfortable with it, forgetting the fact that Jesus earned the CROWN through the CROSS. The human nature at work in us hates suffering. Apostle Peter used his personal experience in his walk with Christ to exhort the elders like himself on the inevitability and necessity of suffering if they would fulfil their God - given purpose in the kingdom agenda (v.9-10). 

"... though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of faith... tested by fire, may be found to praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6-7).

     The word 'suffering' is repeatedly emphasised in our text to show us that as followers of Jesus Christ, it is a means of revealing the glory of He who has called us. Peter wrote this letter when opposition to Christians intensified rapidly, during the reign of Emperor Nero; Christ's followers were regarded as anti-social because of their refusal to partake in social practices which were full of evils and immoralities, just like our own days.

    As a child of God, when you suffer for the things and issues that have eternal value, you should count it as joy (Matthew 5:11-12; James 1:2). Your endurance in time of suffering proves your faith to be genuine, increases your joy and makes your love for Jesus Christ, the Saviour stronger. 

"Anf after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish and strengthen you" (v10)

PRAYER:  My dear father, strengthen me by the power of the Holy Spirit to remain firm and strong in time of suffering, that in the end, I may rejoice and reign with you in glory, in Jesus Name. Amen