Gremar delivered this couple’s first born giving them great joy! Image subject to copyright.
# 51 2020 Dev. 1Peter 4:13, Joy! Read verses 12-19. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.
1Pe. 4: 13 “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
We are in the Advent Season, we look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth and we anticipate Jesus coming again. Peter here brings up a difficult issue, “suffering for Being a Christian”, not a subject we want to hear about at this time of the year. Even so, it is not just in Peter’s time, suffering is with many people today, people in this country, and people in countries around the world. Is Christian suffering going on right now? I say yes, when you consider that the many restrictions on society are perpetrated by some godless leaders and religion is singled out. There are places in this country where there is no restriction, go figure.
Because Jesus suffered for speaking the truth, suffering will always be with the followers of Jesus. Peter says: “do not be surprised…” what “has come on you to test you…” Evil is perpetrated by the evil one who is out to destroy the Kingdom of God but at the same time a testing for Christians allowed by God. At this time of the year we are drawn into a world of soft cuddly babies, gifts, celebration and family gatherings but meaningless if separated from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Peter gives us some advice when we are suffering; “rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” Peter here is anticipating Jesus’ second coming. If you suffer “you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” Peter sees the suffering God’s people are going though in his time as the Judgment of the last days. That thought has been on our minds as well.
But the bottom line is that the Spirit of God and of Jesus dwells with us and in us. As a result, we are to rejoice and praise God this Christmas season, celebrating, giving gifts, thanking God for His gift of salvation. We are to rejoice at such a time as this, a time for Hope, Peace and Joy!
Paul agrees with Peter, his final exhortations: Php. 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE!” Amen!
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