1 Peter 1:22-24 Called to Suffer

1 Peter 2:21-24 (KJV)  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 

Christ suffered the travesty of sin against Himself. He suffered it leaving us an example to follow His steps. There is a war between light and darkness and good and evil, between God and Satan. God allow Christ to suffer, for that is the only way sin can be dealt with. Christ had to bear the penalty for human sin.

The One who directs the course of the universe by His divine power is also the One making all wrong things right through His suffering. The possessor of all power and His need to suffer are not matching thoughts that we can easily comprehend in this fallen world. But it takes a higher virtue, a nobler quality, a heavenly endowment, to comprehend the sufferings of Christ. It is God’s pure love that enabled Christ to suffer.

Its result is seen in divine love shed abroad by the Holy Ghost in the hearts of those whose hearts God opens and fills abundantly. These, for the sake of the gospel, walk in Christ’s steps suffering the contradiction of sinners against themselves accomplishing the work of being true ambassadors for Christ.

Peter, our writer, an Apostle of Christ, understood this truth, having repented of failing to identify himself with his Master in the hour of reckoning, wept bitterly, recommissioned after Christ’s resurrection, to willingly suffer for Christ’s sake even to the loss of his dear life. The body they may kill but God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever! Amen.