1 Peter 2:21-25 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
It always amazes me that we are ready to "amen" and "praise the Lord", when a message does not push us to do something that challenges our flesh. The thought of submitting to someone who treats us harshly or unfairly is unacceptable, and we have to immediately justify ourselves and our rotten attitudes; completely disregarding all the Scriptures that command us to return kindness for evil, or love and pray for our enemies. Yet, our God, who had no obligation to come to us, not only came to us, but submitted to His own creation, even unto death. For what? He did it out of love for us, who do not deserve His love, in order to redeem us to Himself. Today's verses are a reminder of the example Jesus set for us for when we experience wrongful suffering. He endured, He did not revile or threaten, and instead suffered for our sake. Today, do we consider ourselves better than Jesus? Will we justify striking back at those that Jesus commanded us to submit to? Will we behave like the world in criticizing, rebelling, and refusing to submit to the authority of those God allowed to have that power? Will we behave like the world in our places of employment, refusing to pray for any of them? Jesus proved His love for the Father by obeying the Father's will, even though it cost Him His life. Will we refuse to submit to the authorities that God commands us to submit to, then try to proclaim to the world, with great hypocrisy, that we love and represent Jesus? If there is no submission, is there really any love; for the Lord that is?
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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