Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Today's Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Key Verse: 1 Peter 4:13 (ESV): "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Dear brother and sister, as we walk in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to partake in His sufferings. We will face trials, tribulations, and persecutions, just as He did. But let us not view these experiences as obstacles to be avoided, rather as opportunities to grow in our faith and to be conformed to the image of Christ. Apostle Peter's words echo in our hearts, "Rejoice when you share in Christ's sufferings" (1 Peter 4:13). At first glance, this may seem counterintuitive, but we know that our suffering is not in vain. We are suffering for the sake of the Gospel, and our suffering will ultimately lead to our glorification with Christ.
As we identify with Christ in His sufferings, we are reminded of the profound truth that we are united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). Just as Jesus was rejected and despised by the world, we too may face similar rejection and persecution because of our faith. But Apostle Paul's desire is our desire too: to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, and to participate in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death (Philippians 3:10). And here's the joy: if we identify with Christ in His sufferings, we shall also share abundantly in His comfort too (2 Corinthians 1:5). Let this truth bring you comfort, strength, and joy as you walk the path of suffering with Christ.
Action Steps: When faced with trials and tribulations, rejoice insofar as it is Christ's sufferings. Recognize that your suffering is part of God's plan to conform you to the image of Christ. Rejoice and strengthen your faith in Christ.
Quote for the Day: "From joining with Christ in His suffering to following His example, and rejoicing in His suffering, we are reminded of the glory of participation in the victory that Jesus won on the cross and entering into His eternal glory." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
*Let Us Pray:* Dear Heavenly Father, help me to rejoice when I share in Christ's sufferings. Give me the strength to adopt Your perspective on suffering, and to use my trials as opportunities to grow in my faith. May I always look to Christ's glory, knowing that my suffering will ultimately lead to my glorification with Him. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:5; and Philippians 3:10.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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