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19 What counts is that you put up with it for God's sake when you're treated badly for no good reason. 20 There's no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God. 21 This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. 22 He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss. 23 They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. 24 He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. 25 You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls. (1 Peter 2:19-25 The Message Bible)
At lunch today, my bride and I were talking about her college days. She shared the thoughtful kindness of her roommate and her roommate's boyfriend. She also shared some of the agonies she endured while living where she lived. I wanted to both cry and praise God. We know there are good people and some not-so-good people. Some people are just not nice; others are evil. And you and I know both kinds. We could together write a book about what the negative people have done in our lives to us. Some of us could have long chapters; others short ones. Some of us may have gotten what we deserved; others we wonder why? What were they thinking? And we could even add a chapter on things said and done in a church. Well, we just went through the reminder of Easter that evil people sometimes go to extreme lengths to kill those who oppose or threaten them. And the news remind us daily some people kill for no good reason. We've reached a point of shooting before asking something as simple, as "Can I help you?"
As Peter writes this letter, he is reminded of his three years with Jesus. He and his disciples went through a lot and even now some years later, they were still suffering, so he writes this hope, "What counts is that you put up with it for God's sake when you're treated badly for no good reason." Peter understands that, as I mentioned above, we get what we deserve, but if we get punished or tortured for "good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God." And an even more revelatory remark, "This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind ol life." Did you realize at your confirmation into the Body of Christ that you might actually have to carry a "cross" of some sort which meant suffering and or shame? Here the apostle says, "He suffered everything that came His way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step."
Here's the example of Jesus by Saint Peter; "He never did one thing wrong." Jesus never sinned is the Christian belief. Jesus knew the difference between right and wrong, more, He was righteousness incarnate. We are not, but with what knowledge we have of right and wrong, we should know enough to choose right more often than not. Jesus, Peter writes, "Not once said anything amiss. They called Him every name in the book and He said nothing back." The Apostle James later wrote about controlling the tongue; Jesus was the Master at that. "He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right." Sometimes it is best to keep our mouth closed and say nothing while suffering for we may regret all things we say at the low point of our suffering. He trusted God in all things, knowing that God would bless the outcome. "(Jesus) used His servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way." Jesus gave His body for us so that we could be free of the guilt and load of sin. "His wounds became your healing." The holes in His hands and the wound in His side are there to become the healing we needed though Christ's death. "You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls." Jesus set for us the example. Jesus is our Shepherd and our lives are better now and forever, if we follow His example. We carry now His name, Christians, "Little Christs", and we are no longer lost but found, and kept forever by The Good Shepherd.
PRAYER: Loving Shepherd, You know us by name and by need, and You care for us. Lead us on towards life eternal as we walk through abundant life. Help our faith to stay strong; grant us strength to help us follow Your example; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Listen daily to the Master's voice.
Receive my blessings of joy and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
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