Monday, November 11, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
1 Peter 4:7–19

The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?” Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good. (NRSV)

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Reflection

If we stop to think about it, most of us are doing well compared to the rest of the world. Think about how the world has evolved since the time Jesus walked on the earth — approximately 2000 years. Think about our place in today’s world. Most of us are privileged.

That doesn’t mean we don’t live in challenging times. The world is full of conflict, hunger, poverty, and strife. Our own city has terrible gun violence and neighborhoods that have been neglected and even forgotten. Just a few years ago we experienced a pandemic that killed millions of people and changed many things about our lives.

In his letter to the early church, Peter is telling them to be aware that at some point Jesus will return — the end is near. He wants them to live in anticipation but not let suffering get in the way of spiritual awareness and devotion to prayer.

So how can we apply Peter’s words? We can cultivate a more disciplined prayer life. We can use our gifts to serve the church. And we can prepare ourselves spiritually for the inevitable challenges we will experience.

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Prayer
God, thank you for your care over us. Help us to be diligent in prayer and love for one another. Help us to be faithful in using the gifts you have given us. Help us rejoice in the grace you gave us through the suffering of Jesus Christ.

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Written by Anthony Hipp, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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