February 9, 2023

Three thousand years ago, wise King Solomon wrote,

[Proverbs 27:9] Oil and perfume make the heart glad,

And a person’s advice is sweet to his friend.

For what follows, imagine you are seated, facing the Apostle Peter. Peter is your advice-giving friend, your counselor, today.

Right off the bat he shows that he knows you. He knows that you are being “distressed” “for a little while, if necessary” by “various trials.” (1:6-7)

You think, “Finally, a counselor who ‘gets me.’ He understands what I’m going through.”

But you instantly see that Peter’s counsel won’t provide the relief you expected.

He recommends that while you are facing these trials you stay focused on the incredible redemption that you have received in Jesus. (1:3-5)

Further, that you should “greatly rejoice” in these “trials.” Peter tells you that when you remain faithful while enduring these trials, the result will be praise, glory, and honor all given to God at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

“OK,” you think. “But that isn’t going to be easy.”

In this hour-long counseling session, Peter picks another topic and advises that when you find yourself in a hard relational context which you can’t escape, don’t complain. Instead, calmly submit. (The Greek word implies intentionally putting ourselves “under” the authority of someone else.)

You certainly hadn’t come to this counseling session to hear that word!

You find yourself living in an imperfect nation (there are no other kinds of nations) and you are employed by an imperfect boss (again, all bosses are imperfect) – and Peter says, “submit.”

Peter might tell you that if you can change jobs get a less imperfect boss, go ahead (This is what Paul advised in 1 Corinthians 7.). But if you’re stuck in your country and in your job, again, “submit” because this “finds favor with God.” (2:13-20)

While you’re continuing to process Peter’s counsel, he strokes his beard and channels Jesus, who said that Christians are to “turn the other cheek” and “go the extra mile.” (Matthew 5:38-41)

Peter’s exact counsel is that you are not to return insult for insult or evil for evil. Instead, since you are going to inherit a blessing, give a blessing,  (1 Peter 3:9) even to the one who is against you.

The hour is almost up and you’re not sure that you’ve gotten your money’s worth. The Apostle Peter’s advice hasn’t made your life any easier. In fact, following his counsel will make things tougher.

But with the clock winding down, Peter clears his throat and offers you one more bit of counsel in case you are suffering in a particular way.

He’s not now addressing the sufferings you might normally experience: governmental impositions, an overbearing master / employer, illness, poverty, relationship fractures, death of a loved one. Nor is he addressing suffering for having done something wrong.

He imagines that you may be currently, or you may one day, suffer simply because you are living for Jesus.

In that case, Peter advises that you…

…entrust your soul to a faithful Creator in continuing to do what is right. (4:19)

…remember Jesus, who suffered unjustly for your redemption. (3:18)

…keep on living for Jesus in hope that those who are causing your suffering may see your good deeds and will glorify God on “the day of visitation” – that is, that they will believe in your Savior, Jesus. (2:12)

And hearing that, you finally get what Peter’s been driving at. His counsel is counter-cultural, but uncommonly wise.

He’s not giving counsel for how to have an easier life, but how to live to the glory of God. He’s not advising you to avoid suffering, but to live redemptively. Sure, his words apply to the here and now, but even more to the life after this life is over.

The session is over and as you walk out the door, Counselor Peter hollers, [1 Peter 5:10] After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

You leave celebrating God’s amazing grace and ready to take your “next step” with Jesus into faith and obedience.

Yours…His,

Dave