|
1 Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (KJV)
How do you react when you are reviled? By the way ‘reviled’ means to rail in reply. Do you take it patiently or do you entangle yourself and vomit right back in their face? For many of us this is the behavior that we learned, kindling the fire with the words of our mouth instead of leaving a situation or person alone, and walking away letting the fire burn out. Instead we made a fool of ourselves as well, and more so than not made ruin of a relationship. All of this we did to justify ourselves, and in return laid waste of ourselves; we laid out what was truly in our heart before God and before man, and left a waste land of hurt and pain in the wake. And once out there, the consequences are out there as well. Proverbs 18:19-21 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. (20) A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. (21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV) Now as we see in 1Peter 2:23, that our Lord did not revile those who had reviled Him. Although He could have in a manner that would have convicted their hearts before God, but He chose to allow them to do that all on their own. He chose not to get into a pissing match with them so to speak; He discerned the situation and who was at the heart of it and chose not to engage, but instead, He remained silent knowing that the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. He committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. He yielded unto God, surrendered and intrusted His situation to the Father knowing in whom He is justified. Strong’s definition for ‘committed’: NT:3860 paradidomi (par-ad-id'-o-mee); from NT:3844 and NT:1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit: KJV - betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend. 1 Peter 2:23 (2.) Patiently: When he was reviled, he reviled not again (v. 23); when they blasphemed him, mocked him, called him foul names, he was dumb, and opened not his mouth; when they went further, to real injuries, beating, buffeting, and crowning him with thorns, he threatened not; but committed both himself and his cause to God that judgeth righteously, who would in time clear his innocency, and avenge him on his enemies. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary) Think about it, what does it profit anyone to get entangled in a war of words? Who benefits from it? Have you ever truly walked away satisfied or even justified? Or was there a sense of loss in your heart even though in your mind you felt that you had won? The only one who benefits is the father of lies, who enjoys seeing mankind rail on one another, and not only that, it gives him even more pleasure if he can get one of God’s children to engage as well so that he can accuse them before God. Knowing this, I encourage you dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. As the Lord committed Himself unto God, so do you likewise. 1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (KJV)
1 Peter 4:19 [Suffer according to the will of God] A man suffers according to the will of God who suffers for righteousness sake; and who, being reviled, reviles not again. [Commit the keeping of their souls] Place their lives confidently in his hand, who, being their Creator, will also be their preserver, and keep that safely which is committed to his trust. God is here represented as faithful, because he will always fulfil his promises, and withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly. But they had no reason to hope that he would care for their lives and souls unless they continued in well-doing. He who is employed in God's work will have God's protection. The path of duty ever was, and ever will be, the only way of safety. 1. The apostle recommends fervent charity-unfeigned love both to God and man. It is well said of this grace that it is a universal virtue which ought to precede, accompany, and follow, all others. A charity which has God for its principle, and Jesus Christ for its pattern, never faileth. If our charity be extensive enough to cover all the defects of our neighbour in bearing with them; that of God is sufficient to cover all the sins of a sincere penitent by blotting them out. If we ought to be charitable to all, it is after the example of our heavenly Father, who is loving to every man, and hateth nothing that he has made. 2. The difficulty of escaping the corruption that is in the world is great; and, consequently, the danger of losing our souls. In this great work, watchfulness, prayer, faith, and obedience, are indispensably necessary. He who does not walk with God here cannot see nor enjoy him hereafter. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary) 1 Peter 4:19 It is the duty of Christians, in all their distresses, to look more to the keeping of their souls than to the preserving of their bodies. The soul is of greatest value, and yet in most danger. The only way to keep the soul well is to commit it to God, in well-doing. Commit your souls to God by solemn dedication, prayer, and patient perseverance in well-doing, (from Matthew Henry's Commentary) Thayers definition for ‘commit’: 2. Middle voice: to place down (from oneself or for oneself) with anyone, to deposit; to entrust, commit to one's charge Luke 12:48 Don’t be as the many that are unable to commit to anything but their lower nature which slowly destroys their soul. Who continue to deposit their soul in unhealthy behavior and relationships that have them on the broad path to destruction. Instead, lay down your life and entrust it to God, for straight is the gate and narrow is the way, and few be there that find it. Be as the few that continue to commit themselves unto God in well doing; who knowing that, it is He who is able to save them from death. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
AuthorWe are stewards of the mystery of Christ. Ambassadors on His behalf to share the conditions of peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Archives
December 2024
Categories
All
|