Scripture Text: 1 Peter 3:18-22
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
1 Peter 3:18
The redemptive plan of our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ was reminded in this passage by Peter, reminding us that our Lord also suffered for sins He never committed. We, unrighteous people, were saved by the punishment of sin through the sacrifice of the righteous Son of God. Yes, it was a sacrifice that saved us, His people, which is why we are free from the bondage of sin and are now slaves of righteousness. He did this because Jesus must save and reconcile the Father to us, His children. Since we are a new creation, living our lives in Christ, we will surely experience suffering and persecutions because it is written that we will suffer with Christ while bearing His name to all the world. His death, though in the flesh, resulted in spiritual life, making us alive in the Spirit.
Apostle Peter then proceeded to remind us that even during the time of Noah, the message of God for repentance and salvation by faith through our Lord Jesus Christ was neglected by the people. This was the reason why only eight people survived during the flood. Knowing that Noah never stopped reminding these people that a flood was coming, they laughed and ridiculed him, resulting in their destruction.
Peter then created a parallelism in line with Noah's ark and baptism. Just as the ark saved Noah and his family through water, baptism symbolizes that we are redeemed by Christ and makes a public declaration that we are already dead to ourselves but a new creation in Christ, swearing an oath to wholly follow our Lord Jesus Christ.
After the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ, He is now sitting on the right hand of God, waiting for the appointed time when He will return and reign for eternity. His life on earth was never easy, and we too, as those who obey Him and His words, will face challenges. However, knowing who Christ is and what He has done for us should give us strength and remind us that even if we lose our life, it is for Him, and it will always be a worthy sacrifice for Him and His holy purpose.
Remember
Christ being resurrected is an assurance that He has succeeded in His first mission in this world, assuring us that the word of God is true. We know that He will come back for us, fulfill our hopes, and turn them into a majestic reality that all Christians are waiting for and are excited to see unfold before our own eyes.
Reflect
1. Whenever we are tested by trials and persecutions because of our faith, do we see this as a blessing because we know that standing in the truth will always be tested by this world, or do we see this as a struggle alone without recognizing Christ in this situation?
2. Are we being persecuted because of our faith, or are we too aligned with this world, making little difference?
Pray
Our Father, we lift our hearts to You during times of trial and suffering. We are reminded that every difficulty we encounter is worthwhile in light of Christ's suffering. Your Word gives us comfort, knowing that we partake in both His splendor and His sufferings.
In the midst of difficulties, let us remember that the joy set before us outweighs any pain we may experience. May our endurance bring glory to Your Name, knowing that the trials we face are temporary, but the reward in Christ is eternal.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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