suffering – Be Still…

Ezekiel 35:1-14 – Edom’s Turn

Read Ezekiel 35:1-14

There are some nuggets in this reading for me! While it is definitely a passage of judgment against Edom, it can be an encouragement to the LORD’s people of Judah and Israel. The LORD saw all the bullying and resulting devastation because of Edom’s hand on the LORD’s people. It’s one thing for the LORD to punish his children, quite another for an outsider like Edom.

With all that is going on in the world, it’s good to get an approximation of the geographical location of the people to whom this prophecy is addressed. The Edomites, and particularly Mr. Seir, are both mentioned. As I understand it, Mt. Seir was part of the mountainous range south of the Dead Sea along the border between Israel and Jordan, and perhaps as far south as Elath on the Northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. It was likely a traditional stop along the route to Mt. Sinai.

Continue reading “Ezekiel 35:1-14 – Edom’s Turn”

1 Peter 5:10-14 – God’s Grace For You

Read 1 Peter 5:10-14

God’s fingerprints are all over this text. God’s kindness is the reason we have everything we have. The inheritance God is holding for us is beyond valuable. It’s all because he sent his son, Jesus, to rescue and redeem us.

How do we respond to God when he picks us up, brushes us off, and puts us back on track, on his firm foundation? Peter gives praise! “All power to him forever! Amen.” How can we help but overflow with gratitude for the grace God extends to us!

1 Peter 4:12-19 – Doom and Bloom

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19

I assume Peter is talking about Jesus’ glorious return and our everlasting life with him when he describes, “seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” But I got a little glimpse of that “glory” this week. Anytime we see God move in our midst or help us in our struggles, we get a peek into the glory of God.

We know the joy that bubbles up inside us when we see God’s hand at work in our lives or community. Peter encourages us to persevere despite the unpleasant situations we face in life. It really resonated with me in a fresh way when I read Peter’s words, “for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering.” Take a moment to let that truth sink in. Partners with Christ. Partners.

1 Peter 4:1-6 – When Suffering is Better

Read 1 Peter 4:1-6

None of us looks forward to suffering. However, when we suffer on account of our faith in Christ, it is so much better than the alternative of being lost in our sin. Our suffering will not last forever, but our future with Christ never ends. If we chose to stay stuck in our sin, carousing with our friends like we used to, we would miss out on the great inheritance Jesus is preparing for us.

When we live for God, Peter tells us we’ll need to expect suffering, just like Jesus did. This isn’t the only passage in the Bible that warns us about suffering and staying strong. I appreciate that we are told up front what to expect. Nobody can claim to be surprised when we encounter suffering.

1 Peter 3:13-17 – Suffering and Rewards

Read 1 Peter 3:13-17

Peter doesn’t “mince any words” here. The message is clear. We will suffer with Christ, and for that we will receive God’s reward. That’s the gist of this reading.

Have you ever ran a marathon or done any extreme sporting event in your life? I’m probably the most “unathletic” person, but I excelled at kick boxing and karate, ending up as an instructor in both of those mediums for a couple of years. I was fierce. All that suffering in the preparation led to great rewards. I imagine runners, especially iron man participants, feel such a rush of exhilaration at the accomplishment of competing and finishing the race.