HOPE in Christ’s glory – a shock absorber…!

Let’s read 1 Peter 4:12-19 (NIV)

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.  However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Throughout the Bible there is no mention of God ever being in a state of “shock” or “surprise”. Why? Because He is omniscient (read Job 37:16). Similarly, Jesus Christ the Son of God was never “startled” or “shocked”. He knew the end from the beginning; hence He endured patiently & submissively.

In the above scripture portion the Apostle Peter is encouraging us to imitate God especially in our reaction to circumstances of “unexpected” suffering. As sons & daughters of God in & through Christ, testing and suffering should never be strange to us. On the contrary, we are to rejoice in the righteous suffering with the hope of Christ’s future glory.

In saying this, Peter mentioned two distinctive types of suffering – a sinner’s suffering & a Christian’s suffering. Knowingly or unknowingly a sinner suffers constantly with perils of the soul such as unclear conscience, unforgiveness, guilt, fear of punishment etc. Whereas, a Christian suffers (unlawfully) as a result of or in the process of bearing the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (read Galatians 5:22-23).

Everyone knows what suffering is (to one degree or another). Let us ask ourselves these 2 questions:

1.      What kind of a suffering/testing/fiery ordeal am I going through?  A sinner’s suffering or a Christian’s suffering?

2.      What is my reaction to my suffering/testing/fiery ordeal? JOY through the Hope of Christ? Or SORROW/SHOCK & SURPRISE, because of hopelessness, guilt & fear?

Rest in the eternal Love of God and know that in all things He works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)