12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
- What is your initial response when things go bad?
- How can ordeals test you and what is being tested?
- Why did Peter imply that we are to expect ordeals?
- What are the sufferings of Christ that we can share?
- How does rejoicing relate to the degree that we share Christ's sufferings?
- How often are we more concerned about our suffering than sharing Christ's sufferings?
- How does the thought of Christ's coming stir you?
When I think of Christ's sufferings, I see the trial and crucifixion that He endured without complaint. The intended audience of this letter were likely enduring something similar. They were losing their possessions and perhaps their family. The suffering they were feeling was very real. Too many of the things I think I suffer are merely consequences of life and growing old. I have seldom felt real suffering because of Christ. When I deny myself the pleasures of this world, I experience some of the suffering that Christ experienced. When I see religious leaders turning Christ into a political tool, I suffer at seeing my King being used for earthly junk. I think I need to pay more attention to the stuggles in my walk and rejoice.
1 comment:
i wonder about how much i feel the pain of Christ. how much do i ache for what breaks His heart.. I think i am soooo self-focused and interpret everything in my own understandings that i miss out the big picture. i ask: "How would God feel?" "What breaks His heart?"
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