Though we don’t like to admit it or experience it, suffering is a reality for the Christian. We should not be surprised when it comes.
In the midst of facing persecution, Peter offers pastoral care to the first century believers in a truth that is hard to comprehend and swallow. He even addresses his listeners as “beloved.” Peter is more than just a teacher to his listeners. He has a deep love and care for his listeners.
The truth of suffering in the Christian life was not a new concept taught by Peter. Jesus himself said the same thing in Luke 9:23 (ESV):
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Jesus said these things after he shared about the suffering that he would endure through his death. If suffering is a mark of Jesus, then it is a mark of those who follow Him.
Here Peter is urging us to respond with rejoicing in the midst of suffering.
No matter the depth of suffering, we all know that rejoicing is not our natural, or even desired, response. We most often want to wallow, to feel sorry for ourselves, and have other’s sympathy. But why do we rejoice? Is it so that we can have a better perspective? Does it help the suffering to end?
Peter reveals that as we suffer righteously, we are Christ-like. Christ suffered righteously. As we do so, we in turn reflect Christ. Suffering was not the end for Jesus. As He is glorified, we know that we will one day be glorified with Him as we are united to Him. This produces great hope in the midst of suffering (James 1:12).
I long for a day when suffering is no more, and I get to be with Christ.
However, if the purpose for suffering is to share with Christ and to rejoice with Him in all His glory, then I say, bring it on!
This is not the only time that Peter addresses suffering in his letter. Earlier in the chapter, he writes in verse 1, “Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding — because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin…” Where there is righteousness, there is suffering.
Jesus is our perfect example of suffering well. We see in Isaiah 53: 3: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him.” Jesus, perfect in every way, was despised and rejected. He was not valued by the world.
Jesus suffered greatly for our salvation. He rejoiced to bring salvation to us, so we could be restored to a right relationship with God. Jesus is our perfect example of rejoicing in suffering. Because of that, we will get to rejoice with Him in glory when He returns!
Renowned 19th Century preacher Charles Spurgeon very helpfully puts this thought to words:
“Settle this in your heart:
Whether I am up or down,
the Lord Jesus is the same.
Whether I sing or sigh,
the promise is true and
the Promiser is faithful.
Whether I stand on the summit
or am hidden in the vale
the covenant stands fast
and everlasting love abides.”
Rejoicing in suffering does not mean that we resign ourselves to our circumstances and ignore the pain we may be experiencing. Rejoicing does not mean that we neglect what we are experiencing. Instead, we make an active choice toward rejoicing because of the hope that we have in Christ.
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Week 4 Challenge:
Commit to memorizing one key scripture from 1st Peter that stood out to you the most. As you memorize this verse, share it with someone close to you, explaining why it is meaningful. Write it down on a notecard and have it with you in your car or around your house. Read it over as you go about your day.
Week 4 Reading Plan:
Find it in your journal or on the LGG App!
Week 4 Memory Verse:
