Day 305 – 1 Peter – Introduction
“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:7 NLT
Crushed, overwhelmed, devastated, torn – these waves of feelings wash over those who suffer, obliterating hope and threatening to destroy them. Suffering has many forms: physical abuse, debilitating disease, economic reversal, relational brokenness, natural disaster, social ostracism, persecution, and many more. The pain and anguish tempt a person to turn back, to surrender, to give in.
Many first-century followers of Christ were suffering and being abused and persecuted for believing in and obeying Jesus. Beginning in Jerusalem at the hands of their Jewish relatives, the persecution spread to the rest of the world, wherever Christians gathered. It climaxed when Rome determined to rid the empire of the “Christ-ones”, those who would not bow to Caesar.
Peter knew persecution firsthand. He had been beaten, jailed, and threatened often. Ha had seen fellow Christians die and the church disperse to different regions. But he knew Christ, and nothing could shake his confidence in his risen Lord. So Peter wrote to the church that was scattered and suffering for the faith, giving comfort and hope and urging continued loyalty to Jesus.
When you suffer for doing what God wants, remember that following Christ is a costly (but eternally worthy) commitment. As you read 1 Peter, remember that trials will come to refine your faith.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the encouragement of 1 Peter and that no matter the trials and persecutions, our faith should be anchored in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
