Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Accepting the Elderly:Advice for the Young
1 Peter 5:1-11
Susan Koshy
Trinity MTC,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
In this letter, Peter has a lot to say about suffering. In his old age, he shows how it can be a way of serving the Lord and of sharing the faith to the younger leaders and followers of Christ.
The letter was written to Christians scattered all over the northern part of Asia Minor. In this geographical location of the Roman Empire, Christians had already suffered due to their faith in Christ. Peter was quick to offer encouragement. His letter reminds that we have to undergo hardships, however; in turn it will strengthen our faith and bring honor on the day of Christ’s return.
At one point in his stormy career Martin Luther received some discouraging news. He responded by saying, “recently I have been looking at the night sky, spangled and studded with stars and I found no pillars to hold them up. Yet they didn’t fall”. Luther was encouraged as he reminded himself that the same unseen God who was upholding the universe was indeed caring for him for all those years.
By the grace of God we have been claimed for His own. We were condemned, not as innocent victims but justly as sinners. We were powerless to save ourselves. We were headed for death, one which is eternal exile from heavens life. But the very God who we rebelled against has redeemed us through Jesus’ death on the cross. There are times that we may request things that God will not give us because they are completely contrary to His plan for us. We must always remember that Gods thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways (Isaiah55:8).
The father knows that it is in our daily lives that we most easily become anxious. He knows that our daily lives are made up of little things, not great things; therefore He beckons to us in a friendly way and says, “Just bring all those little things to me ;I am most wiling to help”(O.Hallesby)
In this letter, Peter has a lot to say about suffering. In his old age, he shows how it can be a way of serving the Lord and of sharing the faith to the younger leaders and followers of Christ.
The letter was written to Christians scattered all over the northern part of Asia Minor. In this geographical location of the Roman Empire, Christians had already suffered due to their faith in Christ. Peter was quick to offer encouragement. His letter reminds that we have to undergo hardships, however; in turn it will strengthen our faith and bring honor on the day of Christ’s return.
At one point in his stormy career Martin Luther received some discouraging news. He responded by saying, “recently I have been looking at the night sky, spangled and studded with stars and I found no pillars to hold them up. Yet they didn’t fall”. Luther was encouraged as he reminded himself that the same unseen God who was upholding the universe was indeed caring for him for all those years.
By the grace of God we have been claimed for His own. We were condemned, not as innocent victims but justly as sinners. We were powerless to save ourselves. We were headed for death, one which is eternal exile from heavens life. But the very God who we rebelled against has redeemed us through Jesus’ death on the cross. There are times that we may request things that God will not give us because they are completely contrary to His plan for us. We must always remember that Gods thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways (Isaiah55:8).
The father knows that it is in our daily lives that we most easily become anxious. He knows that our daily lives are made up of little things, not great things; therefore He beckons to us in a friendly way and says, “Just bring all those little things to me ;I am most wiling to help”(O.Hallesby)
Prayer: Lord, we place all our suffering and burdens to you, our God and refuge. Amen!
Thought for the day: “Just bring all those little things
to me ;I am most wiling to help”, O.Hallesby