I'm going to move away from the lamentations of Ezekiel for Tyrus and look at the beautiful practical lessons we read about today in 1 Peter 4.
Actually, all of Peter has been so inspiring.... as there's so much wonderful good practical principles of Christianity in these chapters. Principles about how to love one another, how to respect authority, how husbands and wives should treat one another, and in today's reading: how we should follow Christ's example, even in suffering...
The question in this life is not IF we will suffer, but when we suffer, how we will suffer?? Will we do it with the meek gracious spirit of Christ (recognizing that even in our suffering God has not forsaken us and is still good), or will we suffer with the spirit of self-preservation and angst, trying to fight our way through, and blaming God or others for our pain?
In today's Bible reading of 1st Peter 4, we are encouraged not to think it strange when we have fiery trials, but rather we are to rejoice and be glad with EXCEEDING JOY when we do!!!! How's that for an attitude of praise? We are encouraged to suffer bravely -- as a CHRISTIAN! A Christian is one who is a disciple and follower of Christ. That means we act like Christ! So we should suffer as Christ did, with patience, with meekness, and even with thanksgiving in our hearts, knowing that God sees and He will repay. "Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." (1 Pet. 4:19) “For as Christ suffered, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind..." (1 Peter. 4:1)
You know, it's not always easy to make sense of suffering... but I think God allows suffering, not just for our benefit and refining, and not just as a result of sin.... but also as an example for those looking on -- like what happened with Job. We must remember that God sees, and He is our judge and vindicator. We don't have to fight for ourselves. He will fight for us!
Ellen White writes the following:
"Even under false accusation those who are in the right can afford to be calm and considerate. God is acquainted with all that is misunderstood and misinterpreted by men, and we can safely leave our case in His hands. He will as surely vindicate the cause of those who put their trust in Him as He searched out the guilt of Achan. Those who are actuated by the spirit of Christ will possess that charity which suffers long and is kind." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 520)In another place she writes:
"Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness." (Christ Object Lessons, p. 61)What lessons we can learn from the life of Christ! Oh how I long to be more like HIM! Truthfully... I don’t want to suffer... but if and when that is my lot in life, I pray I can suffer LIKE HIM! “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Rom. 8:18)
Tomorrow's Reading: Ezekiel 28-29 and 1 Peter 5
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