The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: 1st Peter 3:13-22 / Psalm 64

“Even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.”
1st Peter 3:14

Even If …

It is unthinkable that anyone should suffer because he loves, forgives, has mercy, and aids those who need help, including those that seem to not deserve help. It is unthinkable that anyone who follows the way of love and righteousness should be maligned, mocked, and even manhandled. What reason is there for violating one whose love runs that strongly and that deeply? But we must reckon with that behavior. That kind of behavior nailed Jesus to a cross. That kind of behavior caused Peter to share in Jesus’ lot. That behavior even rears it’s ugly head today.
And yet, even if it is there and tries to squash and even slay that man or woman or youth who is bound and determined to be and do what is right, that behavior and those thoughts will be swallowed up. Righteousness will prevail. The righteousness one will rise as the victor in end. How do we know? Through baptism we partake of Christ’s victory. Peter says; “baptism … now saves you … through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him” [1st Peter 3:21-22].

Father, thank You for showing me in Christ that even if the righteous suffer, they are blessed, in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Amen.

May 10, 1976