Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.
This is a test: Someone you know well is angry and they express that anger by insulting you.
Question: How do you respond?
Our response to this test says a lot about who we are. The same is true for a similar test: How do we respond to suffering at the hands of someone else?
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:23 (a) — This is a Test”
…and no deceit was found in his mouth.
Peter’s description of Jesus is grounded in personal knowledge as well as scripture. Peter knows Jesus well. Today’s passage shows us an aspect of Jesus that is easy to contrast with our world today.
What do you think of when you hear the word, “deceit?” Do you, like me, immediately think, “lies?” If yes, we would both be partially right. But a “lie” does not cover the entire concept of the word.
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:22 (b) — An Awkward Dinner”
He committed no sin…
Peter has written that we should be willing to suffer unjustly because Christ suffered for us. Jesus, in fact, set the example. We are to do likewise. Having said that Jesus is our example, Peter then goes on and describes more about this example we are to follow. He begins with four simple words that changed the world: “He committed no sin.”
What does that mean exactly?
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:22 (a) — No Sin”
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”