ccc“In the later years of his
ministry, Peter was inspired to write to the believers 'scattered
throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.' His
letters were the means of reviving the courage and strengthening
the faith of those who were enduring trial and affliction, and of
renewing to good works those who through manifold temptations
were in danger of losing their hold upon God. These letters bear
the impress of having been written by one in whom the sufferings
of Christ and also His consolation had been made to abound; one
whose entire being had been transformed by grace, and whose hope
of eternal life was sure and steadfast.
cccAt the very beginning of his first
letter the aged servant of God ascribed to his Lord a tribute of
praise and thanksgiving. 'Blessed be the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ,' he exclaimed, 'which according to His
abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved
in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith
unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.'
cccIn this hope of a sure inheritance
in the earth made new, the early Christians rejoiced, even in
times of severe trial and affliction. 'Ye greatly rejoice,' Peter
wrote, 'though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness
through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being
much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be
tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory
at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love;
in whom, though now ye see Him not, . . . ye rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith,
even the salvation of your souls.'
cccThe apostle's words were written for
the instruction of believers in every age, and they have a
special significance for those who live at the time when 'the end
of all things is at hand.' His exhortations and warnings, and his
words of faith and courage, are needed by every soul who would
maintain his faith 'steadfast unto the end.' Hebrews 3:14.
cccThe apostle sought to teach the
believers how important it is to keep the mind from wandering to
forbidden themes or from spending its energies on trifling
subjects. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan's devices,
must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading,
seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The
mind must not be left to dwell at random upon every subject that
the enemy of souls may suggest. The heart must be faithfully
sentineled, or evils without will awaken evils within, and the
soul will wander in darkness.” — AA 517-519.
ccc“Of all the gifts that heaven
can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is
the most weighty trust and the highest honor. Not Enoch, who was
translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of
fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who
perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the
behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer
for His sake.' Philippians 1:29.
cccMany are unable to make definite
plans for the future. Their life is unsettled. They cannot
discern the outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with
anxiety and unrest. Let us remember that the life of God's
children in this world is a pilgrim life. We have not wisdom to
plan our own lives. It is not for us to shape our future. 'By
faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he
should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out,
not knowing whither he went.' Hebrews 11:8.
cccChrist in His life on earth made no
plans for Himself. He accepted God's plans for Him, and day by
day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God,
that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. As we
commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps.
cccToo many, in planning for a
brilliant future, make an utter failure. Let God plan for you. As
a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will 'keep the
feet of His saints.' 1 Samuel 2:9. God never leads His children
otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the
end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which
they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him.
cccWhen Christ called His disciples to
follow Him, He offered them no flattering prospects in this life.
He gave them no promise of gain or worldly honor, nor did they
make any stipulation as to what they should receive. To Matthew
as he sat at the receipt of custom, the Saviour said, 'Follow Me.
And he left all, rose up, and followed Him.' Luke 5:27, 28.
Matthew did not, before rendering service, wait to demand a
certain salary equal to the amount received in his former
occupation. Without question or hesitation he followed Jesus. It
was enough for him that he was to be with the Saviour, that he
might hear His words and unite with Him in His work.
cccSo it was with the disciples
previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions
follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets. Some of
these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but
when they received the Saviour's invitation they did not hesitate
and inquire, 'How shall I live and sustain my family?' They were
obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, 'When
I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye
anything?' they could answer, 'Nothing.' Luke 22:35.
cccToday the Saviour calls us, as He
called Matthew and John and Peter, to His work. If our hearts are
touched by His love, the question of compensation will not be
uppermost in our minds. We shall rejoice to be co-workers with
Christ, and we shall not fear to trust His care. If we make God
our strength we shall have clear perceptions of duty, unselfish
aspirations; our life will be actuated by a noble purpose which
will raise us above sordid motives.
cccMany who profess to be Christ's
followers have an anxious, troubled heart because they are afraid
to trust themselves with God. They do not make a complete
surrender to Him, for they shrink from the consequences that such
a surrender may involve. Unless they do make this surrender they
cannot find peace.
cccThere are many whose hearts are
aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the
world's standard. They have chosen its service, accepted its
perplexities, adopted its customs. Thus their character is marred
and their life made a weariness. The continual worry is wearing
out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this yoke
of bondage. He invites them to accept His yoke; He says, 'My yoke
is easy, and My burden is light.' Worry is blind and cannot
discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In
every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. 'No
good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.'
Matthew 11:30; Psalm 84:11.
cccOur heavenly Father has a thousand
ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept
the one principle of making the service of God supreme, will find
perplexities vanish and a plain path before their feet.
cccThe faithful discharge of today's
duties is the best preparation for tomorrow's trials. Do not
gather together all tomorrow's liabilities and cares and add them
to the burden of today. 'Sufficient unto the day is the evil
thereof.' Matthew 6:34.
cccLet us be hopeful and courageous.
Despondency in God's service is sinful and unreasonable. He knows
our every necessity. To the omnipotence of the King of kings our
covenant-keeping God unites the gentleness and care of the tender
shepherd. His power is absolute, and it is the pledge of the sure
fulfillment of His promises to all who trust in Him. He has means
for the removal of every difficulty, that those who serve Him and
respect the means He employs may be sustained. His love is as far
above all other love as the heavens are above the earth. He
watches over His children with a love that is measureless and
everlasting.
cccIn the darkest days, when
appearances seem most forbidding, have faith in God. He is
working out His will, doing all things well in behalf of His
people. The strength of those who love and serve Him will be
renewed day by day.
cccHe is able and willing to bestow
upon His servants all the help they need. He will give them the
wisdom which their varied necessities demand.
cccSaid the tried apostle Paul: 'He
said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather
glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong.' 2 Corinthians 12:9,
10.” — MH 478-482.
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Michael O. Hodges
FORERUNNER, self-supporting ministries
Home church (since 1983)
Permission is hereby given
to reprint any of these studies and articles provided that they
are duplicated in their entirety without any change or comment.
Copyright 2003.