March 8, 2023

1 Peter 2:18-25 (HCSB)
18 Household slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the cruel. 19 For it [brings] favor if, because of conscience toward God, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if you endure when you sin and are beaten? But when you do good and suffer, if you endure, it brings favor with God. 21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps. 22 He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth; 23 when reviled, He did not revile in return; when suffering, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to the One who judges justly. 24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by His wounding you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Mackenzie Tomes
While some people may have a difficult time yielding to anyone, I would say that many of us find it manageable to submit to our “master” (boss) if that person is kind, compassionate, and understanding. But Peter is encouraging believers to go a step further and obey even the inconsiderate, harsh, demanding master. Suffering in various ways is part of our walk as Christians. Jesus did not try to hide this from us. He clearly states that His disciples will endure trouble in this world. (John 16:33) He gave us the ultimate example of how to face that suffering. He was mocked, scorned, and beaten and never once retaliated. Instead, He “entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.” Jesus was able to endure suffering worse than anything we can imagine because He knew that God was and is ultimately in control. God will lead us through whatever we are facing. We must trust Him even in our suffering.