Recently, in a place in Congo, about 70 Christians were beheaded. Christians around the world felt sad, that a few Christ followers are tortured and killed every day in some part of the world. Peter wrote to believers who were facing such kind of persecution in the first century. He advises the suffering Christians to entrust their souls to the faithful Creator while doing good. (I Peter 4:19)
Will of God: Peter writes that Christians should be willing to suffer, according to God’s plan and purpose. Paul writes that included in the call of God from darkness to light, is suffering for Him. (Philippians 1:29) Increasingly, Christians around the world are facing intense intolerance and persecution.
Commit their souls: The word used by Peter for commit has a rich meaning. The word is used for leaving money or assets on deposit with a trusted friend. Such trust was regarded as sacred in the ancient world. The friend was duty-bound to return the money when the owner returned intact. The Lord Jesus Christ also used the same word from the Cross. (Luke 23:46)
Safe custody: When believers commit their souls to Him, they leave their souls in a safe and secure place. No one can snatch the sheep from the Father’s hand. (John 10:29)
Doing good: Peter exhorts the suffering Christians to do good, even to those who persecute them. The Lord Jesus is the model, who prayed for forgiveness of those who crucified Him. (Luke 23:34)
Faithful Creator: As the Creator, God has sovereign authority over all creation. He, as the redeemer and father, has absolute authority over the disciples. God is righteous and loving. He will do only what is ultimately best for His people.
Rejoice in persecution? The Lord Jesus Christ will not teach what is impossible to do. He taught the disciples to rejoice and be exceedingly glad when persecuted. (Matthew 5:12) The world may mock suffering but rejoicing Christians as eccentrics or mad, but the Lord knows them, as their hope is in the Lord.
Do I have the faith to rejoice amid persecution?