Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States - Lutheran Seminary God Pause - Moved by the Promise for Wednesday, 28 May 2014 - Read 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. 13 But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.5: 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.(World English Bible)
During one of my retirement interims, I faced the challenge of preaching on the Sunday following 9/11. My message began with a story about two Christians who suffered in a German concentration camp in World War II—Corrie and Betsy Ten Boom. The hard labor and camp conditions took a toll on Betsy and eventually led to her death. As Corrie held her dying sister in her arms, Betsy said: "We must go everywhere, we must tell everyone: No pit is so deep that God is not deeper still."
The letter of First Peter was written to suffering Christians. The writer invites them, "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." For those experiencing the "fiery trials" of suffering (such as those who lost loved ones in the Twin Towers), the writer of the letter says, "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you."
Dear Jesus, I pray for suffering Christians everywhere, that they may know that there is "no pit so deep that God is not deeper still." Amen.
Selmer "Sam" Hatlestad
Watertown, S.D.
Master of Divinity , 1964
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.(New Revised Standard Version)
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