1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. Verse 13But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. Verse 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. Verse 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Verse 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
Verse 8Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Verse 9Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
Verse 10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. Verse 11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Devotion
The letter of 1 Peter was written to Christians in the areas of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia (1:2), located in the present country of Turkey. The opening words of 1 Peter identify the recipients of this letter as living in exile, apart from their homeland. This identity is repeated in chapter two, now calling them to live apart from their culture so that those living around them “may see your good deeds and give glory to God” (2:11-12).
Living out their identity in Christ’s sufferings they are not to be surprised by the persecution that comes upon them. They are to rejoice as God’s glory is made present in them (13).
The closing words from chapter five express the humble and gracious lives to which God calls us. As suffering is the mark of our life in Christ, so also is the call to eternal glory in Christ (6-10).
Prayer
And in these strong words of identity and hope in Christ, we enter into our closing prayer and doxology to him who will “restore, establish and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever." Amen.