Our Perfect Example

When he [Jesus] was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him [God the Father] who judges justly.

1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)

Does it feel like no one notices or cares when you suffer unjustly? That the trials you endure are unfair? And you hurt so much that you are tempted to slander, take revenge, or act in an ungodly manner?

Take heart, beloved, there is one who experienced undeserved and excruciating suffering, yet endured to the end without sin, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness (1 Peter 2: 24). He willingly laid down his life for us. He sacrificed all and persevered without irreverence or retaliation. He embodied sin, our sin, to bring us to himself. He lowered himself to make a way for us to live above our circumstances with humility, so that we will be exalted with him one day. This is how he demonstrated his love for us.

There is a just judge. We call him our heavenly Father or Daddy. He is the Father of lights, who gives his children good gifts (see James 1:17). 

He doesn’t play favorites. He hears our cry from the pit. He rescues when we call on him with the honor and respect. 

He [Jesus] committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth (1 Peter 2:22 ESV).  He can be trusted during unjust suffering. You can put your very life in his hands.

Precious one, will you receive his death as your own so that you may live to him who took your place? Will you trust him to sympathize with your weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15) and rest in him? 

Lord Jesus, thank you for enduring suffering and death on a cross to be our perfect example, so that we might follow in your steps (1 Peter 2: 21), for this is the will of God, that by doing good we should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people (1 Peter 2:15). 

Karen Sims