Faith

That is what Peter seems to be saying as we get down to the end of First Peter. The word he uses in chapter 5, we say as elder. In the Greek, in which the letter was written, the word was presbuteros. Maybe you can see some similarities to the word Presbyterian, and why we refer to the government of some churches as "Presbyterian." A case of where the elders or presbyters have oversight of that particular local congregation.

Enough about history!

Peter's words here are for some of us and all of us – all at the same time. It's like a coach talking to a team before the game starts. The energy is directed to the starting lineup, but everyone there in the locker room knows that they could be called on to get in the "action." [more]

First he gives instructions to the elders about how they ought to act toward one another, and then toward others. It's interesting, that a man who was with Jesus during His ministry, and saw, heard and experienced so much first hand does not treat others that way – like he is way better than them. He says, don't treat the people you have care of like servants or that they are stupid or they are required to serve. Leaders (of the church) need to remember that people should come voluntarily – not because they are required to.

Another point he makes is that learers should be examples, rather than "lording it over" those they lead. To me, the key to these first five verses is in verse five where he says "cover yourselves with humility."

That big bad wolf, pride, which can get in the way of so much, needs to be put away. Peter remembers well how his pride got in the way of what Jesus wanted to show. Peter the arrogant, tough, big cheese heard Jesus words "Before the cock…" and laughed. Peter's pride pushed him over the brink, but later he remembered. I think that is what he remembers as he writes for all the world – "Remember always you are not as great as you think" (my translation).

That's my take on clothing yourself in humility. It is what needs to be around and over everything we do. Besides, if I am so great, why am I not…

There it was at the end of chapter 4. Something nipped at the edges of my brain. Those words about a "faithful creator" brought back memories to me. Somewhere there was something very similar.

A quick check in the concordance in the back of the Bible I was using did not turn up the thought that was just on the edge of my mind.

After all that Peter had to say here in verses 12-19, this was stuck in my craw.

Forget the "don't be ashamed if you suffer because you are a Christian."[more] I am thankful that that is not something I have to do right now in America, but what about Christians in Iran or China? Maybe some more prayers for them whould be in order. That's their life! Then, there was the "eye of the needle" in verse 18 (check it out!)

Did a search in my phone Bible for "deny Himself" and found the verse that just hung there. It was a perfect fit with what Peter was saying about a "faithful Creator." and people trusting their lives to Him – because He will do what is right. The words of Paul came ringing clear "He will remain faithful even when we are not, because He cannot deny Himself." (2 Tim. 2:13)

Peter was saying in a different way what Paul had said. God loves us in spite of how bad or difficult or just plain ornery we are. He loves you and me because He said he would! No strings attached! Sure makes it hard for us to talk about loving people. We expect something in return – actually, it's more like we expect them to do something first, so we know that we can love them.

I'm glad He is not like us.

That was the first thing that popped into my mind while reading verse 12 in First Peter chapter 4. I could just imagine warning someone (usually a kid) who wants to swing from tree to tree. We would in our firmest voice say "watch where you are going, cause it's easy to swing into a tree." Then we let them go, and as they swing, from our vantage point, they are headed for disaster.

Worse, we know they will be injured. And so we yell across the great open space between us and hope they are prepared for the impending disaster.

Peter's warning to the early church is not something new. He was saying, "when the wrath of people comes down on you, you should not be surprised at how you are treated." It was kind of like a "get over it! You knew what you were getting into!"[more]

While Peter's actions when Jesus got captured, and then crucified might make us think Peter "wasn't a good listener," we find that to not be true. Peter listened well to Jesus, for his words here seem to be an echo of Matthew 10, verses 16 through 31. Jesus words were the same – "there will be people who don't like you because you love and serve Me."

What Jesus followers face today is no different than what believers faced centuries ago. Remember, that there are still places in the world where you can get killed for reading the Bible. You can be imprisoned and severely punished for giving someone a Bible or talking about Jesus. Have a church meeting, and get arrested, or worse, you and your family simply dissappear!

How's that for a way to live?

I have a neighbor who has a tree in their front yard. One branch on that tree has grown across the sidewalk. Mind you, this is no puny little weed, it is six inches in diameter. It is is at just the right height, and given the right moment, I could be struck anywhere from my chest to the top of my head. Many nights, when walking the dog in the rain, my head brushes that branch – simply because I am not watching where I walk (head down to keep the rain out of my face). Hopefully I'll not be walking backwards some night and end up on the ground. Just have to remember to watch out for that tree. It's not moving – I am, so I need to be on the lookout.

Standing up for what you believe can be costly, even here in America. How much of my life is on the line everyday because of what I believe? How much of my neck am I willing to "stick out" for the Gospel?