Christ is Our Example (1 Peter 2:21-23)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 12-31-03

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Christ is our example

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  1Peter 2:21-23

 

            Message of the verse:  “21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,

22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;

23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;” (NASB95) 

“21 This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps.  22 He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone.  23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.  (NLT)

            John MaCarthur in writing on “you have been called” portion of verse 21 says that this is speaking of the efficacious call of salvation of the believer.  At times part of that calling is to suffer for doing what is right, which is what our example; Jesus Christ was called to do.  Peter goes on to explain this in these verses.  Verse 22 is a quote from Isaiah 53:9, which is a portion of Scripture that speaks of the sufferings of Messiah.  In verse 23 Peter reminds his readers that when Christ was on trial, (and the note in my NASB study Bible says it was Pilot who was actually on trial), that He never opened His mouth, and the reason for that was that He put His trust in Him who judges righteously.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  These verses speak to me about trust and faith in God.  They speak to me about after I have been saved to follow Jesus Christ’s example that was perfect because He is perfect. 

            Because of how the events unfolded yesterday I am disappointed, yet I still believe that God is going to bring Valerie and Mike to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but it will be in His own time.

            I am not completely happy with the way that the Bible Study went last night, for I am not sure that I got across the points that were needed to get across.  My desire is that these new believers will grow in their faith, and I want to encourage them in taking the steps necessary to do that, and one of the most important steps is to make a commitment to read and study their Bibles each day.

 

The Word of God has again challenged my heart as I read it this morning.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  To trust the Lord’s timing for the salvation of Valerie and Mike, and to trust the Lord’s timing in what He will do concerning our investments.