1 Peter 3:13-5:14; 2 Peter 1-2

When my wife and I sit down for coffee these days, our conversation usually trends towards the word, “endure.” It seems there is a call on our lives, right now, to be thinking about enduring. I am going to study and practice, “Alone with God,” to help me be able to stand when the time comes to stand.

Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. – 1 Peter 3:15 MSG

Adoration means to recognize His holiness, to worship and to honour Jesus as my Master, my Lord.

‘The sanctuary was an asylum where men were safe. And if we have made our hearts temples in which Christ is honoured, worshipped, and trusted, then we shall dwell in Him as in the secret place of the Most High’ – Alexander Maclaren

There is a lot in this letter about suffering, especially in 1 Peter 4:12-19.

• I am going to suffer by labelling myself as a Christian
• It is not a cause for shame, but a means to glorify God
• I am already honoured by God
• I should honour God and entrust my life to Him while persevering in doing what is right

I have picked up a few pointers today:

1. The essential criterion of honourable conduct is not public opinion but the will of God and reverence for God
2. I am to look to Jesus as the paramount exemplar and enabler of such honourable conduct. Shaming and suffering should come as no surprise as my faith is in Jesus who was shamed and suffered.
3. There is an opportunity to win over others because of my conduct. It is something to see one who has been shaming Christians and now see them glorifying and honouring God.
4. I cannot believe I am saying this – suffering is actually something positive and honourable.

What is true is that my honour is based on my relationship with Jesus. He has brought me into the family of God and that is where I get my foundation to live honourably and holy.

So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. – 1 Peter 5:10-11 MSG

What a great way to end this letter – so clearly written where I get my glory, grace and honour from in the midst of suffering. I pray that I can completely ignore the futile attempts at shaming me, and resist the pressures to conformity and assimilation. I can stand fast in the grace of God. It seems that my task is straightforward – honour, praise and glorify Jesus.

Thank you Lord for such an encouraging word.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

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Luke 21:10-22:46

I am fascinated by leadership. I can say that I grew up with very little to model in this area, so I had to learn it. Like Ken Blanchard said in his book, The One Minute Manger, spending fifteen minutes a day in one topic, for a whole year, is equivalent to a university degree on that topic. That was my goal and I have never stopped learning and growing. I am fascinated with how Jesus modelled leadership, especially in how He handled Judas and how He practiced loving His enemies.

Do you realize that the hand of the one who is betraying me is at this moment on this table?  – Luke 22:21 MSG

How many times did Jesus honour Judas during the course of the Last Supper? I counted at least two. Of the two, I actually took some time to look at where Judas was seated and found that one to be of more interest to me. Needless to say, I believe both actions Jesus took offered a way out for Judas if he wanted to take it. It was love in action on the part of Jesus.

And you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin. – Luke 22:28 MSG

What about the rest of the disciples? They were not worthy of such a statement if they had known the future. Jesus knew the future and still said it. Why? Maybe Jesus was taking a moment to teach them that they will fail and continue to fail and in spite of their failures they will be honoured for their faithfulness – I will be honoured in spite of my failures.

The follow through is quite simple, when it comes to leadership, if I have been restored, I will walk with my struggling brother, showing incredible passion for the honour and glory of my own walk with Jesus. When I went astray, I dishonoured Him. If others go astray they will do the same. May I be watchful that I may prevent them from being as foolish as I had been. May I be tender to them because of my own experience and have a sense of deep concern for them.

At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. – Luke 22:43 MSG

One thing I am thinking right now – how honourable it must have felt for the angel who was called on to minister to Jesus.

All this happened as Jesus was praying – a place where I can find strength to keep His will and honour His name. More and more I am being called to spend alone time – not just early morning devotional time, but specially appointed alone time. It is how I can face the temptations, the seductions that come my way. A place where I can look past all of that and into the eyes of the One who loves me enough to die for me – and do what honours Him the most.

Thank you Father for giving me another glimpse into Your love.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)