Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Peter tells us that Jesus was an example for us. We should follow in his steps. This is good advice if we apply it correctly. The problem is that it is easy to misapply.
When you look at Jesus, what do you see?
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:21 — Jesus’ Footprints”
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
English is a wonderful language. It is rich in history, flexible, adaptable, and functional. There is a reason why people around the world choose to learn English if they want to communicate internationally. Even so, when compared to the Hebrew and Greek languages, English sometimes feels … inadequate.
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:20 — What the Child Saw”
For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.
Peter is going to talk about “unjust suffering” for a while. As he explores this theme, he segues into the topic of wives submitting to their husbands. I’m not saying that there is a connection here, but I suspect that the wives who are reading this might have some special insights on this passage. Anyway, for now, he is content to focus on the general topic of unjust suffering.
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:19 — Pain Gauge”
Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
The word “slave” has become a kind of dirty word these days. It is a word like any other. The condition it describes is not pleasant nor is it desirable, but slavery has existed for thousands of years. Even God’s own people, when they lived in Egypt for 400 years were slaves to the Egyptians for most of that time.
Do not misunderstand me. I am not condoning slavery. Yet, look around. How much of the world is free? If people are not free, aren’t they the same as a slave? Slavery still exists and always will until Jesus Himself comes to rule the earth.
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:18 — Modern Slaves”
… honor the emperor.
At first, when I looked at today’s text I thought, “Great! I get a day off!” After all, in our country, we have no emperor. Nothing to see here, right?
Wrong. There is a lot to see.
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:17 (d) — Honor”
… fear God …
Are you afraid of God? Should you be? Peter seems to think so.
It seems to me that if God can create and sustain the universe if he created life as we know it, and if he became man and died for our sins, he is a bit beyond our comprehension. We can’t outthink God. We shouldn’t even try.
And let’s talk about power. How much power does God have?
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:17 (c) — An Appropriate Kind of Fear”
… love the family of believers …
Peter’s theme is submission. He wants us to “submit … for the Lord’s sake.” We are to put ourselves under others in importance. By doing this we lift others up. They become more important in our eyes.
This feels counter-intuitive to our egos. The part of us that stands apart from God does not want to submit. We glory in our independence and our power. We enjoy taking control of our lives and living large. At least as long as things go well.
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:17 (b) — Family Love”
Show proper respect to everyone…
As we turn to verse 17 in our letter from Peter, he begins with a deep well. On the surface, his words seem simple enough. As we gaze into them, we discover that we cannot see the bottom.
“Everyone” is a lot of people! Does he really mean every person?
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:17 (a) — Respect”
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
If I put on my “ignorant” and “foolish people” glasses1, it is easy to see this verse as a contradiction. After all, Peter says, “Live as free people…” and then in the same sentence he says, “live as God’s slaves.” Which is it, Peter? Free or slave?
How are we to understand this apparent dichotomy?
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:16 — Ultimate Freedom”
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
There are some words in the ancient texts that give translators trouble. If you look in the NIV it might say something different than the King James Version. Sometimes out of thirty or more English translations you might find as many as ten different English equivalents. “Ignorance” is not one of those troublesome words.
Except for one or two exceptions, every English translation uses the word “ignorant” to express the Greek, “agnōsia.” In English, the word “ignorant” is often confused with “stupid.” These are two very different words. The word “ignorant” means a lack of knowledge. The cure to ignorance is knowledge.
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:15 — Doing Good”