Year 2, Week 49, Day 3 Bible Reading Observations

Year 2, Week 49, Day 3

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of 1 Peter 3-5; Hebrews 1.

Today’s reading covers the last chapters of 1 Peter. The Book of 1 Peter is the first of two letters by the Apostle Peter. 1 Peter is a letter of hope to persecuted believers who are profoundly suffering. 1 Peter 3 covers various obligations that believers have in their distinct roles, but it also addresses how all believers are to respond in the face of unjust suffering: “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:14-15). 1 Peter 4 continues the theme of unjust suffering, but stresses the importance of responding appropriately in light of Christ’s return: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:7-8). 1 Peter 5 explores various obligations that believers have in light of Christ’s return, including what Elders are to do: “So I exhort the elders among you…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:1-3). Today’s reading also covers the first chapter of Hebrews. The Book of Hebrews does not indicate who was the human author, but this important Book exhorts believers to not turn from Christ, even as it is filled with reasons for the surpassing worth of Jesus and His superiority to the Old Covenant. Hebrews 1 highlights the Deity of Jesus and His atoning work on behalf of His people: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3).

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading was Peter’s instructions concerning anxiety: “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Peter directs believers to take their anxieties to the Lord. Anxiety pertains to the things that concern people. Responsible people do have people and things in their lives that are of concern to them. However, anxiety is deeper than the good concern that people experience over the people and things that are dear to them. Anxiety entails the responses to a threat (real or perceived) towards the people and things that are regarded as dear. Anxiety is one or more of the following types of emotional responses: fear, worry, stress, panic, nervousness, feeling overwhelmed, fretfulness, agitation, or apprehension. Anxiety is concern for the people and things that are regarded as dear, but without any sense of contentment or peace. It is good to have a proper concern for people and things, but the precious people and things in a believer’s life need to be understood in light of the Lord. An important part of a believer’s concern for people and things, is to experience that concern in the context of realizing that Lord’s care and concern for them. When a believer takes the people and things that are precious to them before the Lord, then their proper concern is experienced alongside peace and contentment. When a believer does not take the people and things that are precious to them before the Lord, then their proper concern turns into an improper concern that gives rise to the above listed emotional responses: fear, worry, stress, panic, nervousness, feeling overwhelmed, fretfulness, agitation, or apprehension. These need not paralyze a believer as they realize the Lord’s are for them and the things that concern them. The Lord invites His people to turn to Him.

The comforting words of the Lord’s care for His people, inviting His people to take their anxieties to Him; however, are not how Peter began the conversation. Peter’s opening words can be jarring, even off putting: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). The comforting words concerning the Lord’s care and thus, His desire to help shoulder our concerns, is prefaced by strong, arresting words. When believers do not give their anxieties over to the Lord, they are refusing to be humble for the Lord. When believers are filled with pride and arrogance, rather than humility, the people and things that are dear—the people and things that they are concerned about—become more that they can handle on their own. A heart filled with pride and arrogance has little room for peace and contentment. The most likely indicator of lacking humility before the Lord is for a believer’s heart to express itself in a variety of emotional responses: fear, worry, stress, panic, nervousness, feeling overwhelmed, fretfulness, agitation, or apprehension.

When believers refuse to cast their anxieties on the Lord, not only does their heart become overgrown with a host of paralyzing emotional responses, they also open themselves up to serious spiritual attacks: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). By not turning to the Lord, a believer opens themselves up to even greater troubles. But the Lord still cares for His people and the way out of both paralyzing anxiety as well as Satanic attacks due to pride and arrogance is humbly taking our concerns to the Lord.

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe