When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate, when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly. I Peter 2:23-25
Tradition tells that Peter, like Christ, was crucified, although there is no confirming documentation. However, the early Christians in and around Rome, suffered tremendously under Nero’s persecution. These new converts had given up the cult religions of their families and communities. Their new faith was complicated by the grief of persecution and its friends, doubt and desperation. Peter reminds them hope is found in a Savior that suffered most and a God that knows best.
It is a great step of faith to allow God’s justice to play out, both for the believer who’s hope is in eternity and that same believer who is exploited, neglected or compromised daily on earth. We spend great energy and resources tending to humanity’s perception of equality and justice. Man is often short sighted, far sighted or just completely wrong. People hurt!
Christians are called to walk this earth as upright, model citizens, making no excuses with or for prejudice and abuse. Our behavior represents and therefore, should reflect the One who gave Himself into the hands of God’s great plan, wisdom, love and justice.
Love,
Gretchen