6 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Ezekiel 47:1–48:35
1 Peter 2:11–3:7
Psalm 119:49-64
Proverbs 28:12-13
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
1 Peter 2:21 (NLT): “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
Reflections from Scripture:
In our Bible reading today, we came across 1 Peter 2:18-25. It begins as a word to servants but quickly expands to all believers and then finishes with the example of Jesus that we are to follow. It is in this text that we find 1 Peter 2:21.
Essentially, this text assumes that bad things will happen in this life. Injustice will occur. Further, we may be the recipient of unfairness, and we need to know how to respond.
So, what are we to do? Becoming like Jesus means that we do what He did. First Peter 2:21 tells us what He did when He was the object of injustice.
1 Peter 2:21 (NLT): “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
We are called to endure injustice just as Jesus, our Master, held up under it. Becoming like Him means that we will do what He did.
This is a huge, huge subject. All sorts of other questions arise.
“Are there ever any circumstances in which we can defend or stand up for ourselves?”
“What is the ultimate goal that we are to aim at when determining whether or not to defend or stand up for ourselves?”
“Is it Christlike to always defend those under our care?”
Those are great questions, and a well-rounded Christian worldview demands an answer.
Yet, in this brief article, we simply need to hear the powerful words of 1 Peter 2:21 and realize that as Jesus-followers, we need to sometimes endure injustice patiently. In doing so, we will bear a striking resemblance to Jesus, who we are striving to follow and imitate.
What injustice are you facing right now, and how would God have you to respond to it in light of 1 Peter 2:21? Realize that some injustices demand that we inform the authorities or stand against evil. Yet, the general rule is that we live in compliance with the principle of 1 Peter 2:21. So prayerfully consider how the Lord would have you respond to what you may be presently facing.
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, You didn’t merely provide the example of enduring injustice. You are also the One who must empower me to follow Your example, or I simply cannot do it. So, as I determine to follow Your example, I rely upon the power of Your Holy Spirit to enable me to do so. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Matt’s Musings 