Thursday 16 October, 2014

13 Who is going to hurt you if you really want to do good? 14 But suppose you suffer for doing what is right. Then you will be blessed. Scripture also says, “Don’t fear what others fear. Don’t be afraid.” (Isaiah 8:12) 15 But make sure in your hearts that Christ is Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it gently and with respect. 16 Live so that you don’t have to feel you’ve done anything wrong. Some people may say evil things about your good conduct as believers in Christ. If they do, they will be put to shame for speaking like that about you. 17 It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil if that’s what God wants. 18 Christ died for sins once and for all time. The One who did what is right died for those who don’t do right. He died to bring you to God. His body was put to death. But the Holy Spirit brought him back to life. 19 By means of the Spirit, Christ went and preached to the spirits in prison. 20 Long ago they did not obey. God was patient while Noah was building the ark. He waited, but only a few people went into the ark. A total of eight were saved by means of water. 21 The water of the flood is a picture of the baptism that now saves you also. The baptism I’m talking about has nothing to do with removing dirt from your body. Instead, it promises God that you will keep a clear sense of what is right and wrong. Jesus Christ has saved you by rising from the dead. 22 He has gone into heaven. He is at God’s right hand. Angels, authorities and powers are under his control.

God is very encouraging in these verses. I hear God in this passage clearing the way for me to live a life that is free to be eager to do good towards others, with no if’s, but’s or maybe’s attached. If I suffer for my eagerness, God calls me blessed. My eagerness should always be with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience that I’ve done the good thing by my fellow man in every situation. And Jesus is my great example, in that even though he suffered to the point of being put to death, even then God made opportunity for him to make proclamation to the “imprisoned spirits.”

God wants me to live each day eager to do good to everyone that I have the opportunity of crossing paths with. Particularly, God wants me to be prepared and ready to share my hope with anyone who asks – the ultimate good that can be done. And God through this passage arms me with courage for the potential opposition – should I suffer at any point, God’s blessing is upon me, and God makes a way for more good to be done, even as He did in Jesus’ life.

Lord, I am called to be courageous in eagerness to do good to my fellow man. Help me prepare a powerful answer should anyone ask for why it is I hope in you Lord. And I have courage because you declare, even though I may suffer for standing boldly for you, even then I am blessed by you. And none can bless like you bless Lord! Amen.

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh