Word@Work 1Pet73 - 1 Peter 5:10-11
Published: Wed, 08/05/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SAFE ARRIVAL
1 Peter 5:10-11 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)
Human nature loves to feel in command. It is the fleshly delusion that we can determine the security and prosperity of our future, by controlling today's circumstances. Of course, we are given a proper responsibility to make wise decisions each day, because they will affect what happens tomorrow: but the future is never in our hands, but God's (cf Ps 31:14-15). Peter has been encouraging his readers, to submit to God and to each other in loving service, and to resist the devil - despite the inevitability of suffering. But suffering is not the end: God, who has called us to glory, will ensure that our journey ends securely in His presence.
And along the way, He will give us windows onto the glory to come. Every time He lifts the scourge of suffering, and new strength returns to refresh the battle-weary; every time we receive faith to overcome and to hold our ground with confidence - these are all God's encouragements that the glory, He has promised, will come; with its fullness of love, joy and peace. But it is only by God's power that this can happen: and God is determined to exercise His power on behalf of His children so that it will happen!
Peter is in full agreement with what the Holy Spirit is urging him to write. That is why he puts, "Amen" at the end. It means, 'it is true' or 'I agree', and has uses in the sense of 'let it happen', or in more modern Western slang, 'bring it on'! If we cannot say 'Amen', or if we do not want God to exercise His power like that, (to bring us through and establish us in His kingdom), then something is wrong. Perhaps we have not yet submitted to His grace (see www.crosscheck.org.uk), or we may have become back-sliders, or have been serving the Lord in the flesh and not the Spirit. If that is so, we must ask for mercy and seek His grace to be re-established as faithful soldiers and servants. When we do, we can be fully confident that, "He who has begun a good work in us, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6). Amen?
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for calling me to share in Your glory. Even though I cannot control my destiny, I know that You do. Even though I experience suffering, I thank You for every encouragement along the way, when I see glimpses of Your great power. Thank You that you are determined to use your power to bring me through to Your presence. So, help me to be glad, and actively work with You despite suffering, because I am confident that you will fulfil every promise over me to Your praise and glory. In Jesus Christ's Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Human nature loves to feel in command. It is the fleshly delusion that we can determine the security and prosperity of our future, by controlling today's circumstances. Of course, we are given a proper responsibility to make wise decisions each day, because they will affect what happens tomorrow: but the future is never in our hands, but God's (cf Ps 31:14-15). Peter has been encouraging his readers, to submit to God and to each other in loving service, and to resist the devil - despite the inevitability of suffering. But suffering is not the end: God, who has called us to glory, will ensure that our journey ends securely in His presence.
And along the way, He will give us windows onto the glory to come. Every time He lifts the scourge of suffering, and new strength returns to refresh the battle-weary; every time we receive faith to overcome and to hold our ground with confidence - these are all God's encouragements that the glory, He has promised, will come; with its fullness of love, joy and peace. But it is only by God's power that this can happen: and God is determined to exercise His power on behalf of His children so that it will happen!
Peter is in full agreement with what the Holy Spirit is urging him to write. That is why he puts, "Amen" at the end. It means, 'it is true' or 'I agree', and has uses in the sense of 'let it happen', or in more modern Western slang, 'bring it on'! If we cannot say 'Amen', or if we do not want God to exercise His power like that, (to bring us through and establish us in His kingdom), then something is wrong. Perhaps we have not yet submitted to His grace (see www.crosscheck.org.uk), or we may have become back-sliders, or have been serving the Lord in the flesh and not the Spirit. If that is so, we must ask for mercy and seek His grace to be re-established as faithful soldiers and servants. When we do, we can be fully confident that, "He who has begun a good work in us, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6). Amen?
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for calling me to share in Your glory. Even though I cannot control my destiny, I know that You do. Even though I experience suffering, I thank You for every encouragement along the way, when I see glimpses of Your great power. Thank You that you are determined to use your power to bring me through to Your presence. So, help me to be glad, and actively work with You despite suffering, because I am confident that you will fulfil every promise over me to Your praise and glory. In Jesus Christ's Name. Amen.
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