Mt 5:11,12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

There is dispute about whether today's verses constitute one of the beatitudes and, in as far as it starts with “Blessed”, they are, yet beyond that they don't have the same structure and seem to be more of the general teaching style that follows in the rest of the sermon. It also seems to simply be an extension of the last true beatitude. Why should Jesus do that? Well the previous beatitudes were clearly heart processes that lead to salvation, culminating in two practical outworkings of the Christian faith. Up to verse 10 they had all been things you could clearly see as workings of the Holy Spirit as He does His convicting work. The last beatitude however, is unique in that it isn't His work, but the work of the enemy. For that reason Jesus' listeners and subsequent readers, might have thought, “What? How can this be? Does he really mean this or has he just wandered in his thinking for a moment?”

The fact that he then repeats and enlarges on what he has just said, indicates that Jesus is quite serious in what he is saying and really wants us to take hold of it, and that in two particular ways. The first way is in respect of the fact of persecution itself. It is clear that the disciples had really struggled to take in what Jesus said a number of times about his own coming death. Sometimes we don't hear things because we don't want to hear them. We don't like hearing bad things and persecution certainly comes in that category. So when Jesus wants us to take on board the unpleasant, he says it twice!

When he does that in these verses, he enlarges it and puts persecution in the midst of a group of things we might consider lesser forms of opposition or unpleasantness: people insulting us and speaking evil of us. The world today is very good at this and their insults will not only be to call us names but they will seek to marginalize faith and particularly seek to downgrade Christianity to the level of other world faiths. In Jesus' time they accused him of threatening to tear down the temple in Jerusalem. Later on they accused Christians of cannibalism (eat my flesh – Jn 6:53). Today the tendency is more likely to be to ridicule the faith. In whatever form it comes it is still insult and speaking wrong of us.

The second thing that Jesus wants to ensure he conveys, because it goes against the grain, is the way we respond to such things. With outright persecution the advice might have been, “Run!” and in fact on one occasion that's what the church in Jerusalem did (see Acts 8:1), but Jesus doesn't say that, perhaps because it is the obvious thing and will happen anyway. We noted in the previous meditation how, later in the sermon, he told his followers to pray for those who persecute them. That really is facing up to persecution positively. Here in today's verses it is almost worse: Rejoice and be glad. Rejoice when you are being hounded for your faith? Be glad when they are out to get you? Well that's what Jesus says so don't let's try to spin it any other way!

Why rejoice? Because it puts you in the same category as all of those other servants of the Lord who, down through the years, have suffered for the faith (the prophets of the past). It puts you in the same category as Jesus himself (Jn 15:20) but, even more as we noted yesterday, there is coming a future reward for you when you enter heaven. There is indication in Scripture that we will be rewarded according to what we have done here, and especially if we have stood in the face of persecution. Perhaps, if we are going through a time of peace, we don't appreciate this fully, yet the truth is that when you are going through it, the thought of the future eternity in heaven does help in a very real way, and the thought of our heavenly Father receiving us joyfully and praising us for the way we have coped (even if it is through His grace!) helps steady us in the face of what comes from the enemy.

So, do we only have a comfortable view of Christianity or a real view? Have we accepted the fact that there will be opposition and that God's grace will be there for us? When people respond less than graciously towards us, do we pray graciously for them? These are very real challenges already for many people in the world today, and may become more so for many more of us in these last times.

By Jim Ramsey

I’m free I’m free

My debt the Lord did pay

I’m free I’m free

God’s light will show the way

I’m free I’m free

God sent His only son

I’m free I’m free

The victory’s been won

I’m free I’m free

Satan has no hold on me

I’m free I’m free

By Christ’s authority

I’m free I’m free

Shout the message everyday

I’m free I’m free

God wiped my sins away

I’m free I’m free

The chains all fell away

I’m free I’m free

God rules my life today

My apologies for not posting in a while. On the heels of a very exciting, very busy week, I find myself sitting in my church clothes on a Sunday afternoon...finally taking a breather. Ferris Bueller said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once and a while, you could miss it." True dat. Despite the fact that earlier this school year, at some point, I sneezed and found myself in the middle of October...I'm a week away from opening a musical....and I'm looking forward to the first official week of utilizing the new Chapel / Performing Arts Center as a fully functioning space....I think I should take time to talk about what makes me happy. (I'm about due. I looked at my previous blogs....Surgery, Death, Boo-Berry Cereal....sheesh. I'm one depressing dude!)

First and foremost, in the spirit of spreading joy.... Chick-O-Sticks....ever heard of 'em? I'm finding that alot of people haven't. This is probably the most under appreciated candy bar ever. (I'd rank it up there right next to Jelly Beans as MOST under appreciated candy of all time. Not Jelly Bellies....darn that stupid buttered popcorn!!!!.....Jelly BEANS.) But, Chick-O-Sticks....I love them. They have a delicious, crumbly crunch and wonderful peanut butter taste, toasted coconut....they're orange and have nothing to do with Chicken as the name would imply. Stinkin' awesome. I find that if I keep one of these timeless puppies in my glove compartment...on those days when you just don't know how to deal with life....a Chick-O-Stick makes life a little bit sweeter. (Figuratively and literally.) I don't expect you to rush out and grab one, (But if you do, get me one!) but I would ask that the next time you see one....try it.

You know what else makes me happy. Seriously...RAFFI'S "Banana Phone." It's a stupid little children's song that I happened upon when two of my students did a musical number routine to the song in full banana costumes for their Thespian Society inductions. I downloaded it and reserved a corner parking spot for it on my iPod. On shuffle, every now and then, I'll stumble upon the song, and it instantly puts a smile on my face.

I love my dogs. We have four total. Two are officially Emily's (because, quite simply, she's laid claim to them) and two are mine...because they're not Emily's. Actually, that's not totally true. Penelope the Pug is all mine. (A birthday present from 7-years ago.) I love her so much. She's so.....simple. Like her papa. Everything is always brand new to her. There is never a clever moment for this pooch...and as they say, ignorance is bliss. She's wild, snugly, noisy...and she's all mine! My other joy is Beatrice. My 12-year old, blind, toothless, diabetic Chihuahua. She carries on like a headstrong senior citizen and shuffles through her every day with her little tongue sticking out. She's my gummy bear. Dogs are funny. They're completely dependent on you, they are loyal to the max, and they bring you such joy...a joy that cannot be described. I've actually talked to my dog while snuggling with her on the couch. Have you ever done that? At first you think to yourself..."what am I doing?"....then you figure "who will ever know?...then you realize "she's actually listening to me." Dogs are special because they do listen. They don't know what you're saying, but they will respond. Try to find another living thing that will immediately respond to you without hesitation or agenda, every time you look them in the eye. I look at my dogs in new ways everyday because of that.

I love performing. Yesterday we had a weekend rehearsal for "Beauty and the Beast" which is opening in a week out at Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center. Click here for more info. (Hope you can make it!) Let me tell you something...trials and tribulations aside, there is something special about theatre. I was sitting next to my friend Kari (she plays Belle) and we were watching a scene onstage, and we talked about how there is nothing like theatre. Where else do you take something REAL, scale it up or down, dress it up really pretty, dissect it, analyze it...and then try it on for size...and then offer it to a willing audience? Where else can you find such raw dedication? (And the funny thing is, the audience accepts it!) There is just something magical about it. When two set piece are put together and suddenly you have castle doors. When a lighting effects stretches the imagination, and suddenly you're in the woods. When a shift in dynamic accented with music, evokes emotions and suddenly the audience is a part of the "mob scene." Dang...I love it. It's hard stinkin' work putting up a show. Time, effort, money...patience. Sheesh. But, at the end of the day, it's something that was a part of you...and a part of the audience. You can never take that away. I'll never be a pirate...but for one night I was Captain Hook. I may never see the Broadway stage, but for one night I was a choreographer in a chorus line. I may never be a gallant suitor...but for one night, I climbed a castle and fought a Beast! As long as I live, theatre will be very, very close to my heart.

I love my students. I have six classes, and I approach each of them VERY differently. Even the two sections of High School Drama...talk about different personalities and atmospheres. I always find it interesting how the time of day plays a huge part in how students approach work in class. Last block before they go home, for instance is very different than second block right before lunch. Teaching has its own rewards...especially in the way that it keeps you on your toes every second of every day. My Advanced Drama class is a unique one this year. It's kinda hard to explain...allow me to try. Imagine a class of Juniors and Seniors (all of which you know very well...most of which you've worked with before onstage) and now put them right next to a group of students who may not have as much experience in performing, but NEED Drama class, because they are wildly creative people with passions that need to be expelled.  (Hey! There's chocolate in my peanut butter! No, wait! There's peanut butter in my chocolate!) Anyway...all of these kids I care about very much...but I'm finding myself struggling with them more than any other class. Not because they are bad, mind you. To the contrary...they all want to be a part of something good...and fun. But in heir varied (sometimes impulsive) efforts, the true ensemble effort gets lost in translation and the result is two camps.....ultimately generating two philosophies.

On one hand we have students who desperately want to WORK.....gnash teeth if necessary....to bring their craft to the next level. On the other hand, you have students who want to perform...and have fun doing it. Both groups want to be successful...but neither want the other group to "get in the way" (for lack of better words) of their efforts. A lot of the class/scene work is given a group, "ensemble" grade. Over the last few days, we've had to forgo the usual lessons to actually sit down and talk, as class. (Something I think is WAY underdone in classes today.) The results were very good. Everyone was forthcoming, everyone had an opinion...and now we're working toward a better tomorrow, together.

Will it be perfect? I don't anticipate that. But I do know this...where else can a teacher go to a "troubled" class and sit down with them...look them eye to eye, collaborate, and together....regroup. Even MENSA meetings wind up in arguments over why the Oreo cookies should be arranged in vertical rows and who owns the second series of NUMBERS. You see...I love my job. I know that, as a class, we'll get there...and we'll do it together. If we have to trample on the "routine" of teaching that class, and approach this self-disciple in a weird, awkward way to do it....so be it. I'm ready, and I have the privilege to work with students who WANT to get ready too.

I could go on: Grandmas, my wife's smile, the smell of freshly cut grass and freshly pumped gasoline (I know, I'm a freak)....and there more! Plenty of stuff I have to be thankful for, and find great joy in. But I would like to end by mentioning something that I presented in a Children's Chat at church today from Philippians 4:4-13. This scripture, which details the message Paul wrote from prison, reminds me that even in my darkest moment I can find peace in the Lord. I can turn to prayer and know He will hear. I have plenty to be thankful for and a multitude of things in my life that bring me great joy. But, I admit, I have sad moments...I hang my head low and think sad thoughts. During these times it's a great comfort to me that the Lord is listening and He will help me cope.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!"

.

When I think of God wanting us to make thanksgiving a part of our lives, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 comes to mind first, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  But that's tough.  I usually understand this verse as saying that despite my circumstances God still loves me, and my sins are still forgiven.  They're both things I should want to give thanks for always.

In Philippians 1:3-5 Paul reminds us of something else we can give thanks for.  He joyfully gives thanks for other Christians...every time he remembers them.  That would keep him busy praying.  He's thankful because of the Philippian church's "partnership in the gospel".  Paul seems to have a very big picture view of the church and of what God's doing through it in the world.

I don't often think of my fellow Christians as "partners in the Gospel".  The word "partners" communicates to me a teammate to accomplish a task.  I find myself thinking of Brother George is the guys that sits 3 rows back to my left each Sunday, or as a good friend, but not necessarily as a "partner".  If you were to follow Paul's example of joyfully thanking God for other Christians because they're "partners in the gospel" what would come to mind for you?  Is this a different way of thinking or am I just overanalysing this word?

Songs & Scripture

There's no difficulty finding songs of thankfulness or expressing joy, but it's more difficult to find these emotions expressed in conection with what God's doing in the lives of others, not us.  Any suggestions?

• God's Wonderful People (SFP)

i spent this past weekend at a women's retreat hosted by my church. events like this invite reflection but there is so much that has been stirred up inside me- where do i begin? this theme verse of this weekend seems like a good place to start. one of the retreat speakers shared that every morning she sits on the edge of her bed and recites psalm 118:24 out loud. what would it be like if i greeted each new day with a call to worship? the theme of this weekend was "response: women who worship." i want to be included in that collective act of rejoicing.

in some of his sermons pastor darrin has challenged us to "suffer well." when things in my life go wrong and/or are not as i had planned what is my reaction? true joy is peace and hope in spite of circumstances. this differentiates it from happiness. upon reflection i think it's safe to say that my expectations of god usually lead to disappointment; i have misunderstood his assurance that "all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (romans 8:28) i tend to define "good" as what i want or think that i need. actually, blessings aren't always material things or even comfort and relief. if god's grace extends beyond the physical then i should expect blessings of a spiritual nature- the fruit of the spirit listed in galations 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

the most poignient verse of this weekend came from lamentations, which is fitting because the very name reflects suffering the consequences of living in a broken, fallen world 3:22-25 states, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." in this verse i observe two realities.  based on this passage i actually wrote out two columns- one for who god is and one for what i am to do. by applying commands such as "hope," "wait" and "seek" i realize several things:

1. the lord's love is steadfast (v22). trials and hardship are not signs of abandonment because he never ceases. he will see me through.
2. his mercies keep coming- his promises are renewed every single day (v23). though i may have to wait long-term for the fulfillment of a particular promise, the blessings of the short-term are hope and strength to wait each day.
3. he is enough (v24). looking to anything/anyone else for total comfort will provide only limited support and thus only temporary satisfaction.
4. if i don't find any blessings it's because i'm not looking (v25). too often i close my eyes in despair, which causes me to miss god's mercies that are all around me.

worship is born out of awe. it's the response of a surrendered heart, soul, strength and mind, whose values have shifted to reflect christ's. when i'm rooted in relationship- not performance- i am moved to rejoice in the redemption that's taking place each and every day. then, i experience transformation in every area of my life. i love how martin luther summarized it, "all of life is worship."

Stop control your heart to unroll
Your lips to open or close
Your refrain to hum in all
Your eyes to vent in echoes
Let the verb live
Let the verb live
Let the verb live

Love's not a lie
Hidden in wings' butterfly
Some brown of Sinaï
Some blue in the sky
Love's a sound
That louds like a spy
Some you could never condamn

Let the verb live
Let the verb live

Love's a game
Without a name
Time you call it a player
That contest is over
Don't be upset whether
Your eyes couldn't see
That big love in me

The belonging of your choice
Your childhood's inner essence
Liked it so and rejoice

Mae Linat © 2008

Rely- On His Promises

Wait- For His Answers

Believe- In His Miracles

Rejoice- In His Goodness

Relax- In His Presence

"Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8

Quick Bio on John Adams:

He was born in Braintree and lived there all his life. He defended the British soldiers who fired during the Boston Massacre...and won(rightly). He served in all continental congresses. He nominated George Washington to lead the Continental army. He drafted the Massachusetts constitution(wonder why its called the commonwealth? John Adams.) He fought for independence and is known as the voice of Independance (with Jefferson being the pen). He traveled to France to shore up French support and was ignored. He went to form American credit in Amsterdam and succeeded. He negotiated the Treaty of Paris, Served as the first minister to Britain and met with the King. Adams came home to be elected Vice President to Washington, and then was elected President after. He served in an administration that barely recognized his existence, yet he served dutifully. His term as President was overflowing with media slander and partisan attacks, attacks that ended his long friendship with Jefferson.

Adams, with all his achievements(those are just from memory) lived a humble life. He returned the the town of his birth and lived surrounded by family and friends. His relationship with his wife is something to be emulated in all relationships. His devotion to God only grew with time. He worked to repair broken relationship, and re-connected with Jefferson after years of silence, becoming closer friends than before. He was a man that could not be idle, he was always working. He found in his later years considerable reasons to be bitter, yet chose to 'Rejoice Evermore' in the gift that is life. Adams lived to the age of 91 and while his health declined his spirits heightened. I found myself getting sad knowing the end was near, yet his letters from the time were full of advice and encouragement. I really hope that I can work to be like this man in my life. Obviously it would be great to accomplish 1/8th of what he did, but for a man who was constantly accused of being vain, he lived as a solid man and the personification of quality values.

"Rejoice ever more...will never be out of my heart, memory, or mouth again as long asI live, if I can help it" -Letter to his friend and doctor Benjamin Rush

"Rejoice always in all events, be thankful always for all things is a head precept for human nature, though in my philosphy and in my religion a perfect duty" Letter to John Quincy Adams

The world out there says there is no such thing as absolute truth. Today, it is much more popular and politically convenient to the world to say no religion has the monopoly to the Truth. However, Truth is absolute. Truth cannot be relative or it becomes meaningless. So when a Christian says that there can only be one and only one Truth from God, a Christian is often labelled as unloving, narrow-minded, closed-minded, arrogant and bigoted. As a result, in Churches where the teachings emphasize a need on love for and acceptance of the world, both Churches and Christians become conscious of offending the world and opt for toning down declaring "all the counsel of God"

Every disciple of the Jesus Christ has to know and believe Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Truth: "Jesus said unto him, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:6. The Gospel is a very exclusive message pointing to one God and the only Way for sinners to be reconciled to God and be spared from God's wrath. The Gospel is very clear: Jesus Christ is the only way to God, there is no other way. The Truth to God is found in the person of Jesus Christ alone, there is no other Truth. Eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ, there is no other way to be with God in heaven.

People of God who heard and believed the Gospel must live it and declare it faithfully. We know that "God is Love" (I John 4:8) and it is true. It is very important to know that Love "rejoices with the truth" (1 Cor 13:6). Apostle Paul loved the Lord's sheep and he wants to present the Church as the chaste bride to  Christ the Bridegroom (2 Corinthians 11:2). Paul lived the Truth and wholly preached and fully declared everything he has received from the LORD Jesus Christ. He said, "for I have not shrunk from declaring unto you all the counsel of God." (Act 20: 27).

Paul recalled, "in all seasons,...and how I kept back nothing that was profitable for you, but have shown you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying.....repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Act 20: 18-21). The focus of his ministry, his joy and his life was very clear to him. The Apostle Paul said, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God." (Act 20: 24).

While Paul's ministry and purpose is to preach, convert and disciple believers for the Lord Jesus Christ, he is well aware that Satan will always be there to try subverting what God has purposed to do. The "wolves" will present a perverted Gospel: watered down Gospel, half Gospel, twisted Gospel. As an under-shepherd who has watered and fed God's sheep, he reminded the "overseers" of God's flock to "take heed" because the "grievous wolves" shall enter in amongst the sheep. He was saying very clearly that there will be "wolves" amongst the sheep within the professing believers in the visible church.

He pleaded and urged the "overseers" to do their duty to God: "to feed the church of God" (Act 20: 28). He commended the "overseers" to feed the sheep on "God and to the word of His grace". Overseers of God's sheep must desire and work very hard to ensure that every sheep in their care "that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see whether those things were so" (Act 17: 11).

If overseers are not vigilant or do not care to "take heed" and are not preaching and teaching "all the counsel of God", then God's sheep are not fed. If God's sheep are not fed, they will likely follow "wolves". The character of these wolves is as such: "among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them".

Paul warned and warned God's sheep for THREE years DAY and NIGHT. This part of the ministry is no small matter to Paul. "Therefore watch, and remember that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears." Act 20: 31 Today it appears that this "take heed" and "to warn" aspect of an overseer's ministry is a small matter to many "overseers" within the visible church ? Why ? Why the neglect of "all the counsel of God " ?

Paul's plead is that overseers must feed and warn the sheep all the time. All believers must fix our eyes upon God by immersing in His Word seriously "And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Job 19:25
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

I once heard someone say in reference to Luke 13:29-30 that the last being spoken of will be the saints from before Christ. What do you think? Or is it opposite? Does it really matter? We're all going to be there!

Luke 13:29-30 (New International Version)

29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."

I am so happy the Lord revealed this truth to me! It's moments like these I find myself thinking just when  I couldn't possibly love the Lord any more, my love grows exponentially larger! Our God is SO AWESOME and AMAZING!

9/21 1 Peter 1:6-9 trials; necessity, purpose and outcome

1: 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith––more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire––may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1: 6 en w agalliasye oligon arti ei deon luphyentev en poikiloiv peirasmoiv 7 ina to dokimion umwn thv pistewv polutimoteron crusiou tou apollumenou dia purov de dokimazomenou eureyh eiv epainon kai doxan kai timhn en apokaluqei ihsou cristou 8 on ouk idontev agapate eiv on arti mh orwntev pisteuontev de agalliate cara aneklalhtw kai dedoxasmenh 9 komizomenoi to telov thv pistewv swthrian qucwn

Peter is addressing the suffering saints in Asia Minor. He recognizes their situation as aliens – exiles in their own hometowns because of their decision to follow Jesus. But he points them to their position before God – they are elect, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, and for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling with his blood.

And then he leads them in worship. He points them to the work of God in their new birth. Their new life in Jesus is rooted in the great mercy of God the Father. He caused them to be born again, and they were born into a living hope. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead secures their hope in the inheritance that they have been born into. That inheritance is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, it is kept safe in heaven for us and God's power is at work to keep us believing so that we indeed will receive the promised inheritance. God's power is guarding us right now through our faith for the final salvation that we look forward to. This is foundation for worship, and it is a cause to rejoice. Peter points his struggling readers to their source of joy so that they can stand firm even in the middle of trials.

In this you rejoice; this, that God fathered you into a new life of hope in an incredible inheritance, and that God is keeping the inheritance safe for you and is keeping you for the inheritance. Peter goes out on a limb here and assumes that his readers are indeed rejoicing in their salvation. These are people who are suffering for their faith. They are aliens in their own communities. They certainly have a lot on their minds, but he confidently says 'in this you rejoice'. He is certain that any true believer will resonate with joy over what he has said. I am filled with joy when I think of how rich in mercy God is toward a hell deserving sinner like me. My joy overflows when I reflect on the new life that God has created in me. I am engulfed in delight when I think of the inheritance that awaits me, secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I am flooded with a sense of awe and thanksgiving when I think that God by his awesome power is at work to keep me believing so that I will receive the inheritance. Joy is a 'given' in the Christian life. Rejoicing over God at work in our salvation is something we Christians do. As Peter begins to address the issue of suffering as a Christian, he first points them to this overarching joy that spans the chasm of suffering and keeps us looking toward the goal of our salvation in spite of the trials. Peter says a few things here about the trials we face, that are essential to preserve the proper outlook.

1. The Necessity of Trials

2. The Character, Variety and Duration of Trials

3. The Purpose of Trials

4. The Certain Outcome of Trials

First, the necessity of trials. Trials are necessary. But he's not talking about circumstantial necessity or inevitability – fate. Bad things are bound to happen and there's nothing anybody (even God) can do about it. No, he is saying they are necessary, in that they are designed to serve an essential purpose in your salvation. This is not the necessity of chance, this is the necessity of the plan of God being worked out. What God plans he will do (Is. 46:11). This is the kind of necessity Jesus spoke of when he said:

Luke 24:7 ...that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

Peter makes it explicit that this is what he means in:

1 Peter 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

So we can take comfort that whatever trials we face today, they are not meaningless or senseless or random. They are designed by our merciful Father to play an essential part in our salvation. We can trust him that they are for our good.

The second thing we learn about trials is their character, variety and duration. He says 'you have been grieved by various trials'. Peter does not make light of their trials. He acknowledges that they are weighty – heavy. Grief is real and it is painful. He uses the same word that is used of Jesus' sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Matthew 26:37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

Peter is not asking us to just put on a happy face. Christians do grieve, but we do not grieve as others who have no hope (1Thes.4:13)

And Peter is not quick to say 'oh, I've been through that. I know exactly how you feel', because he knows that the experience of trials is different for everyone. He says 'you have been grieved by various trials'. The word literally means 'many colored or variegated '.

Their trials are unique and they are grievous, but they are also short. He says 'though now for a little while'. Peter is not saying that he knows their trials will soon come to an end. Some of his readers may suffer their whole life. Some may die suffering. He is not saying that their suffering is short in comparison to other people's suffering. He is saying that their grief will be short in comparison with eternal joy. We see that this eternal perspective is his frame of reference from verse 7, where he points to 'the revelation of Jesus Christ'. Paul puts it this way:

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

2 Corinthians 4:8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus,... 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

So trials are temporal, they are necessary, they are grievous, and they come in many colors, but what is their purpose? In verse 7 he says 'so that'; that indicates purpose.

7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith––more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire––may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

God has a purpose in your trials. Satan has a purpose in your trials too. Satan would like to destroy your faith and cause you to walk away from Jesus. He seeks to devour you and steal your joy. God's purpose for trials is different. Jesus said:

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

While Satan's purpose is to destroy, God's purpose is to test your faith in order to prove it genuine. Muscles, if they are not used, will atrophy. Muscles need to be exercised to stay healthy and grow. God has given you the muscle of faith. Now God is bringing into your life circumstances and experiences that will cause you to get up out of the easy chair of complacency and apathy and fight the good fight to believe (1Tim.6:12).

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called ...

Remember, we learned in verse 5 that God, by his power, is guarding or keeping you for salvation through faith. I think this verse explains the phrase 'through faith' in that verse. How is God in his power using my faith as a means to preserve me for salvation? One answer is that God is bringing the exercise of adversity against the muscle of my faith so that my faith will be vital and thrive rather than atrophy and die. Trials prove faith. Anyone can say they believe in Jesus. Anyone can say a prayer. But when adversity comes, it reveals the true nature of that faith. If it was mere lip service to please a person, testing will reveal it for what it is. Genuine faith, when it meets adversity will cling all the more closely to Jesus. But the trials serve a good purpose even if your faith is proved fake. When trials come and you let go of Jesus and cling to other things, that should awaken you to what you are truly trusting in and cause you to turn from that to Jesus.

Peter compares the tested genuine faith that trials produce to the most precious and enduring thing that we know – gold. Gold for thousands of years has not lost its value. Gold when it is refined does not perish but becomes more pure and more valuable. But Peter tells us that compared to gold, genuine faith is more valuable and less perishable. Tested faith is worth more and will last longer than gold! That's amazing, because I think of my faith as fickle and unreliable.

Think of Peter. Peter saw Jesus walking on the water in the storm, and Peter believed that if Jesus commanded, he could come. But when he saw the wind he was afraid and began to sink (Mat.14:28-31). If my faith were solely up to me, I would be sunk and give up hope. But when I realize that my faith is a gift of God, and God is using his power to sustain my faith, then I begin to see how my faith could be more precious and less perishable than gold.

And the next phrase boggles the imagination!

7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith––more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire––may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

At the revelation of Jesus Christ, when my faith has proved genuine because God gave it to me and sustained me in it, God is going to praise and honor and glory in me! God will sustain your faith through the trial, and then when you arrive safely in heaven, God will crown you because your faith stood through the trial!

But we might ask 'how can I know if my faith is the genuine kind that will last or if it is fake and will be destroyed by the fire? What will be the outcome of the trial?' I think the next verse answers this question. Peter observes the new affections and the new delights of the believing community, and points to this as evidence of tested genuine faith.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Jesus is not yet revealed. We can't see him. We can't sit down with him and talk over a glass of wine and a loaf of bread. We don't see him walking our streets, healing the sick and raising the dead. We can't hear him speaking with infinite wisdom and authority, confounding his enemies and comforting the downcast. How do you love someone that you have never met? Peter points his readers to their love for Jesus as evidence of the genuineness of their faith. In spite of not having seen him, you love him. Even though you don't now see him, you believe in him.

Notice how belief and love are parallel ideas? The kind of belief or genuine faith we are talking about is not an intellectual agreement with certain facts. Genuine faith does include an appreciation for certain foundational truths, but it also necessitates an emotional response. Jesus is not the distasteful firefighter with awful body odor and annoying mannerisms that you tolerate as he carries you down the ladder simply because the fire is worse than his smell and once you are safe, other than a polite thank you card, you will never have to see him again. No, Jesus is the one, fire or no fire, I just want to be near him, to know him and be known by him, to admire him, to enjoy his presence.

Notice, too, that joy is characteristic of the Christian life. Peter is not telling the believers what they should be doing, he is simply stating what they are already naturally doing. They love Jesus, they believe into Jesus, they rejoice with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. This is a joy that simply cannot be put into words. This is a doxological joy – a joy that is full of glory; full of praise. It cannot be communicated except by the common experience of it. This is a joy that is known by anyone that has a healthy understanding of their own hopeless undeserving condition, who has experienced the limitless mercy of our good God, who so loved us that he gave his only Son, who has given us new birth and adopted us into his own family, made us participants in an unfathomable inheritance. I am loved by God the Father, I am being set apart by the Holy Spirit, I am washed clean by the blood of Jesus, one day I will receive praise and honor and glory in his presence when he says 'well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your master (Mat.25:21)' not because I have been able to pull it off, but because he has been at work in me sovereignly empowering me to persevere to the end.

Joy is not an optional extra in the Christian life like the way you order your salad – I'd like lots of peace sprinkled all over it. Can I have the joy on the side? Hold the longsuffering. No. Joy is the fruit of the Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is in you, he is producing joy. Jesus said:

Luke 6:22-23 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven;

It is interesting that the context of Jesus command to rejoice and leap for joy is the similar circumstance of being hated and excluded and reviled and spurned. Jesus is saying that you are blessed or joy-filled, in fact you can leap for joy when you face trials because, look, your reward is great in heaven! You are the elected rejected and your inheritance is certain. Your loving and believing and joying in Jesus is evidence that you are obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

So we can rejoice and praise God even in the midst of trials because we can see that trials are necessary; they are not senseless and random, but they are ordained by God for a good purpose. And the purpose of trials is to prove our faith genuine, to force us to flex the muscle of faith so that it does not atrophy. And we can have confidence that the outcome of the trials is certain. When we see love for Jesus and believing into Jesus and joy in Jesus welling up in our hearts even in the midst of adversity, we are seeing evidence of the Spirit of God at work in us creating new affections and new desires. We are obtaining the outcome of our faith, the salvation of our souls.

Vi skal ellers synge til den første gospelgudstjeneste i år, og jeg havde sådan glædet mig. Håber jeg er frisk til på mandag, da skal vi stille op til fotografering -