1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 (NRSV)
Read 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12Beloved, 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. Verse 13But 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. Verse 14If 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. Verse 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Verse 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
Verse 8Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Verse 9Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
Verse 10And 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. Verse 11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Devotion
For some reason, when I read this passage from 1 Peter, the image of Jesus as “Christ, Liberator” painted by Willis Wheatley came to mind. During my college years, I came across this image popularly known as the “Laughing Jesus.” Someone else had added a rainbow aura or halo around his head and shared it online with the descriptor of ‘Cosmic Christ’. It was one of the first times I can remember seeing such a joyful depiction of Jesus. Most of the time art shows him as quite serious, sad, or resolute looking. Yet, in 1 Peter, we are invited to “cast our anxiety on him” (NRSVUE) or “live carefree” (The Message). Truly relying on Crist, means giving the burden of our struggle, oppression, hardship, etc. to him. Easier said than done! And still, beloved, the cosmic Christ offers us a place of joy, restoration, and support beyond anything we can imagine.
(https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/meet-the-creator-of-the-laughing-jesus-photo)
Prayer
Abba/Imma, Cosmic Christ, you are our source of strength and joy. Help us remember these gifts in times of trouble and to share them with those in need. Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.