ByIn our previous study-scripture article, I wrote about how important it is for the child of God to submit to one’s boss with fear at work. And since God knows that some bosses are hard to work under, He inspired the Apostle Peter to give more reasons to help us live with that doctrine. Today, I’m glad to write about how we can endure suffering as Christians in this evil age. But this time, the author and finisher of our faith – Jesus Christ, is the One used in today’s focus scripture as an exemplary person for us to follow His footsteps in this realm of life.
Verse 21
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:”
1 Peter 2:21 NKJV
So, from 1 Peter 2:13, the Apostle Peter started speaking on submitting to authority as Christians. He commenced by elaborating on the Truth that we should be subject to every ordinance of man for God’s sake. Then, he continued to speak further on submission to bosses, especially the harsh ones.
However, from verses 21 through 25, he brings Jesus on the scene as the person we should emulate whenever there’s a child of God who endures suffering.
From the verse above, the Bible is clear that we, children of God, were called not just to believe in Jesus but also to suffer for his sake (see Philippians 1:29). That means it’s erroneous to think there’s no suffering for you when you come to Christ. There is, but since Jesus becomes the author and finisher of your faith, no situation will be able to weigh you down in life.
If Jesus Himself suffered while on Earth, how much more we, His followers? Didn’t He say in John 15:19 that the world will hate us? Yes, right? That means every worldly person you encounter in life will keep speaking and doing things that have no eternal life in them, hence administering hate on your faith, sometimes unbeknownst to them. So you might not be physically abused for your faith. But for persecution through vain talk from corrupt men, you’ll keep seeing some.
Jesus suffered well for His faith. And that’s an inspiration for us, that our Master knows what we go through each day for the sake of whom we’ve believed.
Verse 22
“Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”;
1 Peter 2:22 NKJV
Jesus did not sin, yet He was persecuted for speaking the Truth. He never faulted in speech, yet they used false witnesses to testify against him in court just to get Him crucified (see Mark 14:55-57). Jesus did absolutely nothing wrong to deserve death. But the Father allowed it to happen because it was part of His plan. Today, millions are getting saved each day because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Amazing God! Your suffering is never in vain.
Verse 23
“who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;”
1 Peter 2:23 NKJV
Jesus was also reviled (criticised), but He didn’t do it in return. How many times have you read the four gospel books and seen how people murmured and complained about Jesus’ ministry? For me, I have seen so many.
Jesus didn’t threaten to use His heavenly power against those who did evil things against Him, although He could have done that. He knew what was in man (John 2:25), so he never committed Himself to anyone. He also knew that vengeance was (and still is) the Lord’s work. So in all the evil things that people did against Him, Jesus committed them to the Righteous Judge – the Father.
How refreshing will this word be in your consciousness anytime someone does evil things against you? You’ll always channel the payback of those who make you suffer for your faith to God.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
Galatians 6:7 NKJV
Some people think they’ll go scot-free for messing up with God’s peace in you for causing you to suffer. They’ll reap their evil deeds in due time. But for you, always live with the same consciousness Jesus had concerning suffering: commit your offenders to God, and He will judge them.
Verse 24
“who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”
1 Peter 2:24 NKJV
Jesus also suffered physically on the cross for our sake. He bore our sins and died with it for us (and with us in Him). So that after He died and resurrected, we were dead to sins through the atonement He made with His pure blood.
By His stripes, you were healed
As Jesus was taking stripes on His back, He was enduring it because He knew deeply that in it is the healing of believers. You weren’t healed when you contracted that sickness. No! You are already healed in Christ fighting that sickness to stay in health. Don’t be alarmed by your sickness. Just know that He has healed you.
Verse 25
“For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
1 Peter 2:25 NKJV
A person who doesn’t know Christ is like a sheep without a shepherd. There is no guidance over such a person’s life. Therefore, he’ll misbehave in life a lot. I believe this is why evil is constantly on the rise in this world.
However, Peter wrote his epistle to believers. That’s why he said, “… we have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” He was referring to us believers. As long as Jesus is alive, endured suffering for our sake, and the benefits are heavily impactful in our generation and beyond, let us not give up on what God called us to do no matter who offends us.
You’re a blessing.
