Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—
Summary: Peter begins a passage dedicated to helping elders shepherd their flock. Why would he need to remind them of this? Shepherds are people, too.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:2 (a) — Shepherds I: Like David”
[I, Peter]… who also will share in the glory to be revealed.
Summary: Peter gives us several clues to the meaning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In today’s verse he returns to the theme of God’s Glory.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1 (d) — God’s Glory”
… and a witness of Christ’s sufferings …
Summary: When Peter says that he is a ”witness of Christ’s sufferings” he invites us to not only examine Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, but the way that Jesus lived his life and what he endured while here on earth.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1 (c) — Suffering”
… I appeal as a fellow elder …
Summary: How Peter addresses the people he is writing to is important. Making his appeal as a ”fellow elder” is a window into how God’s church works.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1 (b) — Who is in Charge?”
To the elders among you…
Summary: When Peter addresses part of his letter to “the elders,” he inadvertently highlights a sad and serious shift in cultural norms.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1 — Elders”
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Summary: There is suffering we have earned and suffering that seems unfair. When we have to suffer for what seems like no reason, Peter says we need to turn to God and do more good.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:19 — What To Do”
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved…
Summary: Paul offers us a challenging thought. Righteousness is not an easy path, it is hard road. For the Christian, this offers us an opportunity to think about what it means to be saved.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:18 (a) — The Hard Road”
… and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Summary: Today Peter finishes his thought about judgment with a reference to obedience. How are obedience and faith related?
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:17 (b) — Deep Dive”
For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household…
Summary: The word, ”judgment” has many uses. Today we explore how Peter uses it in today’s passage.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:17 — Uncommon Tater”
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Summary: Peter warns us about one of the ways the enemy of God tries to make Christians suffer; by shaming them. He also tells us what to do. Praise God!
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:16 — En-tangoed”