First century
Christians were challenged everyday by neighbors, business associates and
family members for their new found faith.
Many faced mental and physical threats, assault and even death. Lets’ face it, they were not popular! They tended to stand out in a crowd. After generations of compliant, obedient (and
expected) observance of Judaic social and spiritual laws, the first century
Christians were upsetting the proverbial apple cart. This marked them as targets for many
groups.
Peter was
reaching out to them in these verses, trying to point out to them that they had
the perfect example of how to react under these circumstances. Jesus did not return harsh action for harsh
action even under the most horrendous pressure.
He let his father take care of him and left the judgment of those who
persecuted him to God. Christ returned
hatred, anger, pettiness and harm with complete forgiveness and grace.
Two thousand
years later we are still challenged by those who verbally and physically
assault us. Instead of returning sin for
sin, “we are called” to live a life using Christ’s example. Christ died to release us from sin, Peter
urges us to live free of sin. We follow
a shepherd who leads us by his example of peace and forgiveness. That holy example provides us with the
ultimate guide for humility and grace to live by.
Dear Father,
When the
world deals me insults and assaults, I pray that my posture will be like that
of Christ’s. Help me to humbly return
grace for injustice and forgiveness for pain.
Joy Galloway
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