THE SPIRIT OF GLORY AND OF GOD

Our verses for today show believers suffering fiery trials. This is a recurring theme of Peter’s writings. The reason for this suffering and persecution is that they have been fearless in making known ‘the name of Christ’, v. 14. But, says Peter, their experiences should not be regarded as in any way unusual or strange. Suffering is part of every Christian’s life, and has a part to play in their spiritual development and blessing.

We should respond to persecution with joy, or rejoicing, v. 13, happiness, v. 14, and praise, v. 16! These are not the natural reactions of the human spirit to oppression, but they should be the spiritual responses of those who look through the gloom of the moment and see the purposes of God being accomplished. Believers can rejoice because, through their suffering, they have become ‘partakers of Christ’s sufferings’, v. 13. ‘Faith realises that the ground for rejoicing does not lie in the sufferings themselves, but in the fellowship with Christ that they bring’, D. Edmond Hiebert.

What happiness can there be in the continuing experience of reproach, as unjustified insults are hurled against you? The Lord said, ‘Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake’, Matt. 5. 11. The world does not view prosperity in these terms. Heads would hang and hearts would become heavy, but the believer can rise above these mere human reactions to adversity. Why? ‘For the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you’, v. 14 NKJV.

The believer may feel dishonoured and disheartened but, in heaven’s estimation, ‘the Spirit of glory … rests upon you’. Glory, an essential attribute of deity (cf. Acts 7. 2; 1 Cor. 2. 8; Eph. 1.17) is a characteristic of the Holy Spirit, and indicates His work here for those who loyally suffer for the Lord.

‘in contrast to the external storm of abuse and insult is the inner presence of the Spirit’, D. Edmond Hiebert. The presence of the Spirit is not only assured, but also the glory that He bestows upon sufferingbelievers.’Let [us]... glorifyGod onthis behalf’, v. 16.