1 Peter 2:19-25 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 2:19-25 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. Verse 20If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. Verse 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. Verse 22"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." Verse 23When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. Verse 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. Verse 25For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Devotion
Peter was writing to a dispersed community that was experiencing suffering. He urged them to be patient in their suffering, and to remember that, by Christ’s wounds, they had been saved. This can be a disconnection for us if it does not fit our profile. But whether or not we are suffering for the faith, we are a community of believers called to follow the example of the suffering Christ as we look first not to our own needs, but to the needs of others and the world. Peter leaves them with this encouraging word, “You were like sheep that had lost their way, but now you have been brought back to follow the Shepherd and Keeper of your souls.” There is only one way to abundant life which is to hear and obey the voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Caring God, whether we are in the high places or low places in our walk, may we remember that you are our Keeper and you will lead us in the right paths. Amen