[Anglican Devotional 5 May 2022] Topic: In His Steps
TOPIC: In His Steps
READ: 1 Peter 2:11 – 25 (NKJV)
Beloved, I beg [you] as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by [your] good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,
or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and [for the] praise of those who do good.
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men —
as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
Honor all [people.] Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Servants, [be] submissive to [your] masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
For this [is] commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
For what credit [is it] if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this [is] commendable before God.
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
“Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;
who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed [Himself] to Him who judges righteously;
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.
For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
THE MESSAGE:
Our ultimate aim as Christians is to be like Jesus – to walk in His steps while we are here on earth, and to share His glory in heaven (verse 21; Philippians 3:10; 1 John 3:2). Consequently, we should see ourselves as temporary residents on earth, living above fleshly lusts and every evil conduct indulged in by others (verse 12). This may bring us into conflict with others, and may lead to suffering.
But as Jesus patiently endured suffering for doing good, when necessary, we too should not waiver when standing for Christ though it brings some hardship (verses 20-21; Matthew 10:25). Like Jesus, we should not return evil for evil, but trust God who is the righteous judge (verse 23). Read Philippians 2:5-11 for other Christlike attitudes we are encouraged to emulate. In verses 13 to 17, we are encouraged to submit ourselves to human governments at each level where we operate.
This is easy when the king (President) or his representative is good and gentle. Even when he is corrupt or wicked as we find in Africa and other developing countries, we should still be good ambassadors of Christ (verse 18; 2 Corinthians 5:20). The simple rule in all situations is to “fear God and Honour the king” (verse 17; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29).
PRAYER: Turn this hymn into prayer, Keep step with the Master, whatever betide, SS&S 1092
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