Comfort!

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# 1 2021 Dev. 1Peter 5:7. Comfort! Read all of Ch. 5. 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. 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

In Ch. 5 Peter encourages church leaders and church members. Peter is speaking out of experience, as a witness to the suffering of Christ and he suffered as well. Apparently the followers of Jesus were going through a time of suffering and it is clear that Satan was working hard to bring down God’s Kingdom exemplified by the church. Today we see his activity all around us.

Peter encourages leaders to watch over God’s people; not out of obligation but a labor of love. Be honest, be a good example, not lording over your charges, you are shepherds along side the “Chief Shepherd”, Jesus Christ, who rewards the faithful.

Peter also encourages the followers of Jesus; be respectful to the elders, be submissive and everyone be humble “toward one another…” that God “may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This is also encouragement for us today; no matter what may be going on, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are right there besides us and dwell in us, we do not need to be afraid. Today, we should apply Peter’s encouragement toward the church, to our families as well, to singles, to fathers, mothers and children.

But we are warned as well, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Recognize the enemy, “resist him standing firm in the faith” your faith, it is a gift to be cultivated by the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. The universal suffering that Peter was talking about was perpetrated by Nero who burned down much of Rome in AD 64 and made followers of Jesus the scapegoats. After this warning and before his final greeting Peter gave them and gives us this benediction:

 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” This blessing is very much in need today!

Peter ends this letter with greetings from Rome and encouraging you (and us) testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it! Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” Amen and amen, have a blessed New Year.

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