Daily Thought

Suffering for righteousness’ sake is an integral part of the Christian pathway. It is amazing therefore that we also read the following phrases in this context: ‘inherit a blessing’, v. 9; ‘love life, and see good days’, v. 10; ‘do good . . . seek peace’, v. 11; ‘happy are ye . . . be not afraid . . . neither be troubled’, v. 14.

Christians need each other in times of suffering. Let us pray for harmony, compassion, love, pity, and true friendliness among us, v. 8. Nothing will be gained by returning evil for evil; indeed, we must restrain our tongues from speaking evil and deceit, v. 9. We must seek and pursue peace, v. 11. We might well ask how it is possible for these things to be a reality.

Firstly, we must understand that we are called to suffering for righteousness’ sake; yet, we must also be encouraged by the prospect that ultimately it will lead to blessing, v. 9.

Secondly, we can be confident that the Lord watches over us, hears our prayers, and is against evil men, v. 12. They cannot do permanent harm to us if we follow zealously what is good, v. 13; therefore, we can be happy and not afraid or troubled, v. 14.

Thirdly, we must sanctify (set apart) the Lord God (lit., ‘Christ the Lord’) in our hearts, v. 15. This will enable us at all times to bear testimony, with meekness and reverence, to the hope that is within us. Consciences will be clear and enemies put to shame.

Fourthly, it is encouraging to know that ‘Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God’, v. 18. His suffering for sins was a once-for-all act that culminated in His resurrection. He was ‘quickened (made alive) by the Spirit’, v. 18. By the same Spirit, He preached through Noah to wicked men prior to the flood, but they despised the message. As a result their spirits are now in prison awaiting final judgement, vv. 19, 20, whereas ‘Jesus Christ . . . is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him’, vv. 21, 22. Our baptism is a figure of His death and resurrection; it witnesses to us having finished with the old life and desiring to walk in newness of life. It is therefore the appeal of a good conscience towards God that we will obey Him.