suffering – Page 2 – Be Still…

1 Peter 2:18-25 – We Are All Slaves

Read 1 Peter 2:18-25

Peter is addressing the family unit in these next couple sections, but we’re going to look at what he said about slaves first. The idea of having slaves may seem foreign to most of us. We just got done watching the series, Downton Abbey. It was very interesting to see world history through the eyes of wealthy English aristocrats as well as their servants. Of course, there’s quite a jump from servants/employees to slaves.

Certainly, in Peter’s day, slaves would be part of many households. As such, it would make sense to address the concerns of their conduct and how they should be treated in return. We might even glean wisdom for our own application as employees and our relationship with our employers.

James 5:7-12 – Patiently Waiting

Read James 5:7-12

What are you waiting on right now? Maybe it’s news from the doctor on a test. Maybe it’s a box of goodies in the mail. Maybe it’s that vacation you just booked. We all share in the wait for Jesus’ return, and James calls it out plain as day in this text. Are you feeling patient today? James said, “Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.”

James has us think about farmers. Think of the patience it requires to plant seeds every spring and then wait. Wait to see if the seeds sprout like they’re supposed to. Wait to see if the rains come at just the right time. Wait for storms to pass so you can assess the damage. Wait for the crops to be ready for harvest. That’s a lot of waiting. But farmers accept the wait. They know it’s all part of the plan.

Hebrews 10:32-39 – Confidence in God

Read Hebrews 10:32-39

When I started reading this passage, I immediately remembered my first memories of hearing about Jesus as a wide-eyed child. And then the Preacher yanked me into a dark place, recalling the persecution the faithful endured in his day. That was a profound moment to reflect on the differences in how we first experienced Jesus.

It’s certainly a good reminder to count our blessings. It’s way too easy to take the love of God for granted and forget he wants to be in relationship with us. The more we learn about God through his word, the more confidence we have in him and our faith is strengthened.

Hebrews 2:10-18 – You Are Chosen

Read Hebrews 2:10-18

Jesus is the Son of God, but we are also God’s children. “So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father.” We are chosen to be made holy. Let that sink in for just a moment. As children of God, we are recognized as brothers and sisters to Christ.

Old Testament prophecy comes alive as Jesus quoted the Psalms and Isaiah. He said to God: “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” He also said, “I will put my trust in him,” that is, “I and the children God has given me.”

Hebrews 2:5-9 – Jesus Suffered For Me

Read Hebrews 2:5-9

We talk about how Jesus is man and God. It’s not that he is “part man” and “part God.” He is fully human and fully God. This is one of those examples where our limited brains cannot conceive the depth of this truth. Either you are one or the other, how can you be both?

A very, very simple example is that I am a mother and I am a daughter. I am not just “part” mom, I am a mom. I am not just “part” daughter, I am fully my parent’s daughter. This example doesn’t begin to speak to the intricacy of Jesus’ humanity and deity. What we need to remember is that Jesus became one of us so that he could experience what we go through firsthand. Continue reading “Hebrews 2:5-9 – Jesus Suffered For Me”