Hello Sweet friends,
Today’s Reading … 1 Peter 1-5 and Hebrews 1-13
Today is another day when reading chronologically through the Bible brings amazing insight. The book of 1 Peter reflects a time of suffering and trial. There was widespread persecution of the Christians by the Roman authorities and the recipients of this letter were most likely feeling afraid and discouraged. Peter has been called the apostle of hope. The word “hope” is found repeatedly in this book. Another word found repeatedly is “suffering.” Here is the ultimate challenge, how do we balance unwavering hope with unavoidable suffering? The answer is found in Hebrews. The only way to balance hope and suffering is faith.
The book of Hebrews is sometimes called the fifth Gospel. The four Gospels describe Christ’s ministry on earth; this one describes His ministry in Heaven at God’s right hand. Jesus Christ is prominent on every page of this book. We are reminded that Jesus is:
Greater than the prophets (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Greater than the angels (Hebrews 1:4-2).
Greater than Moses (Hebrews 3).
Greater than Joshua (Hebrews 4).
Greater than Aaron (Hebrews 5-10:18).
(Taken form What the Bible is All About)
We have hope in our suffering because we have faith in Jesus, whose power is greater than any other and who is working for the good of His brothers and sisters.
Working Definitions:
Hope – a person or thing in which expectations are centered.
Suffering – to undergo a feeling of pain or distress.
Faith – belief that is not based on proof.
Our hope is centered on Christ and therefore, when we undergo pain and distress we have faith that He will work the situation out for our good and His glory. If our hope is centered on our own strength, we have no faith. If our hope is centered on human relationships, we have no faith. If our hope is centered on making life comfortable, we have no faith. We do not have proof of the future, of how a circumstance will be resolved. If we are trying to manipulate our lives to control the outcomes in a way that is most pleasing to us, we will be frustrated and exhausted. If, however, we have faith in the character of God and we trust Him to define what is good, then we can rest and even rejoice in the midst of the suffering. Suffering is inevitable but if our lives are centered on Christ then we can have faith in His ultimate victory.
“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:14-15).
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and confidence in what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
Hope is a life centered on Christ. He is the foundation of security and peace.
Suffering is modeled by Christ. He glorified the Father in the midst of His suffering, so can we.
Faith is confidence in Christ. His character never changes, even as everything around us does.
Hope, Suffering, Faith… each of these roads lead to Christ for the heart that is seeking Him. Let’s seek Him today.
Love you all,
Kinsee
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”(Isaiah 55:11).
