Bible Reading: Numbers 24; Psalms 66-67; Isaiah 14; 1 Peter 2
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (1 Peter 2:21-22)
As a follower of Jesus you should ask where he is going. What is he doing? If we are to follow him, we will be going and doing what he is doing. Peter tells us that our calling is to suffer wrong patiently with Jesus Christ as our example.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. (1 Peter 2:18-20)
Some people have bosses or masters that are good and gentle. Thank God for them. Others have froward bosses. A forward person is a course, disobedient, unyielding or perverse person. Peter tells us that the kind of boss does not matter. The way we act does! Peter doesn't give us an out; he says we are to suffer wrong with patience because this is acceptable with God. He draws a difference between suffering wrongfully with patience and having patience when we suffer for what we have done wrong.
The example he lays out for us is our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus suffered the pains of the cross and yet he had no sin. He did not deserve to suffer and die. He was and is completely righteous. Yet, he did not cry out against the injustice he suffered. The Bible prophesied Jesus' suffering:
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)
Jesus is our example when it comes to suffering. He was wronged. He did not open his mouth. Do you whine about the tough time you have at work? Do you complain about unfair treatment you receive? If you are a Christ follower, you need to look to Jesus and understand that he is your example. It is thankworthy to endure grief. Take it patiently and that is acceptable with God.
Why? Because the Bible says so! (That should be enough for any Christian.) But we are also showing Christ-likeness. Being conformed to the image of our Lord is what Jesus wants to do in our lives. Suffering is something he uses to do that. Let Jesus do a work in you through the difficult people in your life. Follow in his steps.
In Christ,
Rody
