The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 2:20-23, “For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;
23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously…”

Were you ever seriously and severely punished? How did you take it? Were you patient, or did you yell threats at your punisher? It probably depended upon whether or not you were guilty. If you were guilty, you knew that you were simply getting what you deserved. But, what would have been your attitude if you were not guilty?

No one ever suffered like Jesus. He was guilty of nothing! His accusers lied against Him; those who tried Him listened only to what they wanted. Pilate was concerned only for himself and his governmental position. Yet, Jesus went to the Cross and died for sins He had never committed! You and I have committed sins; and it was for our sins that He suffered and died.

From their start, Christians throughout the ages have been accused of sins they have not committed. Jesus encountered accusations and suffering when He had done nothing wrong. Why should we not expect to suffer the same?

These verses above tell us Christ Jesus left us “an example… to follow in His steps.” We are certainly not to court suffering; but we should expect it. Jesus’ example was to refrain from uttering threats. He just kept trusting Himself to His Heavenly Father, knowing that He always judges fairly and righteously. That is a pattern we should follow, for when we do, we honor Him with our obedience.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom