Wednesday 09 September 2020
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
Beloved, 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. (v. 12)
Psalm: Psalm 119:65-80
Background
Today’s reading from the second half of 1 Peter 4 is a significant contrast to the first half of the chapter looked at on Monday.
This section seems rather odd in that a fiery ordeal is upon the readers of Peter's letter (verse 12). We do not know the particular circumstance described and we can only assume that Peter is referring back to the beginning of his letter where he speaks about gold being passed through the assayer's fire (1 Peter 1:7), thus indicating that the suffering that a believer might undergo, whether by persecution or other torments, will, in the end, bring about their salvation.
To Ponder:
- Verse 17 states "for the time has come for judgement to begin with the household of God". How would you suggest that such a process should begin?
- What practical steps can we take to rejoice during times of “fiery ordeal”?
- How can we best support our brothers and sisters who are suffering as Christians?