“It is in the moments of greatest trial that we find our greatest need to follow in his steps.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 7, 2024
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23, RSV
In his steps. Three words that have for centuries animated the imaginations of Christians and inspired faithful devotion to our Lord Jesus. Yet it is a phrase that is also easily separated from its context, thus downplaying the true power and radical nature of this invitation. When taken as an isolated statement, we may be tempted to pick and choose which of our Lord’s steps we want to follow in! His example of meekness and tender compassion? Absolutely. His embrace of children, welcoming them into the kingdom of God? Sign me up. The way of patient endurance in the face of extreme suffering and persecution? Not so fast!
In 1 Peter 2, understanding the this to which “you have been called” is an essential part of one’s ability to truly follow in Christ’s steps, and the answer is found in verse 20. “For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you take it patiently? But if when you do right and suffer for it you take it patiently, you have God’s approval.” If faithful endurance in the face of suffering is not a part of our life of discipleship, then we run the risk of a “cherry-picked faith,” believing Jesus is at work in our lives when it is peaceful and without significant trial, and doubting and questioning his faithful lead whenever storms roll in and we encounter the brokenness of our world in the intimate details of our lived experience.
Yet it is in the moments of greatest trial that we find our greatest need to follow in his steps.
We are close to Jesus in our suffering, for it is in his suffering that he reveals to the world the way that leads to life. In Christ, suffering is transformed, no longer an end in and of itself, a pain without a purpose, but it becomes a purifying and refining fire that invites us more deeply into a life of repentance. And so, in life’s hardest moment, let us patiently endure, looking afresh to the example Jesus set, following daily in his steps.
Prayer
Father, remind us today that you are near to us in our suffering, and it is in life’s difficult moments that we encounter your presence in new and profound ways, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Consider the suffering you may be experiencing in this season. Are you able to encounter Christ afresh in and through your challenge, seeing it as a way to faithfully follow in his steps?
Related Reading
Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 5:1-12; Hebrews 12:3
Worship Resource
Phil Wickham: Living Hope
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