Rejoice
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:12-16 NKJV
In Trouble?
Do you ever wonder why things have happened to you? Maybe you are in the midst of a problem, bad situation, difficulty, health issue, or financial struggle and you wonder why. Do you feel that there is little in which to rejoice? Why is so much going wrong, especially if you are a Christian trying hard to live pleasing to the Lord?
Reread the above words in our verses today from Peter inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Instead of Complaining
Peter tells us that we are not to think that it is strange when we face a “fiery trial.” We are not to assume it is a rare or strange thing that is only happening to us. Instead, Peter gives us the word to rejoice because in such troubles we are partaking in Christ Jesus’ sufferings. Do we get that? Instead of complaining and wondering why all the bad things are hitting us left and right, we are to rejoice about it.
A Different Way
Wow! That is a totally different attitude from that of the world, isn’t it? Here it is common, maybe even expected, to share bad news on social media or at least with close friends and family members.
You and I then have the misery shared with those who will, appropriately, shake their heads and offer sympathy. You take their words, perhaps with a feeling that they do little good. Perhaps you then run the list of woes through your mind all over again. Perhaps each recall makes it all seem a bit worse.
Rather than texting a friend or talking over the back fence to the neighbor, we are to take it to God. In doing so, rejoice, be happy, and be glad that we are understanding better the sufferings of Christ.
Peter goes on that when Christ’s glory is revealed, we will be glad with exceeding joy.
No Joy In Our Evildoing
He is clear, however, that the sufferings that we bring upon ourselves due to our evildoing are not something in which we should rejoice.
Rather there is rejoicing if we are suffering for the cause of Christ.
Rejoice When We Suffer For Christ
If we are reproached for the name of Christ on our lips in praise or testimony, rejoice. If you suffer because of your faith in Christ, rejoice. When you are made fun of, ridiculed, or harmed physically for your faith, rejoice. Peter says that you, as a believer, should be glad for your sufferings for Christ because, in these situations, the glory of God rests upon you. Non-believers are blaspheming God, but you are glorifying Him. Therefore, rejoice!
Lastly, don’t be ashamed when you suffer as a Christian, but glorify God in this. Realize that you will be understanding on a deeper level, the suffering of Christ. You will be partaking in Christ’s suffering when you too are persecuted for your faith.
There, in the midst of your trials for your faith, you will glorify God.
So, Rejoice, Christian, rejoice!!