On Christ the Solid Rock We Standনমুনা

Our Living Hope in Surrender

When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in his righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand.

This is a challenging passage from Peter! The church under persecution is encouraged by him to endure suffering. They are to surrender to God rather than to fight back in their own strength. After having encouraged them to use their gifts well, relying on God and being aware of the needs around them, Peter gives them a warning. He also reminds them of what the end will be. While Peter has set the foundation, he also reassures them of their eternal purpose and security. This passage urges believers to stay alert, pray, and love one another deeply as the end approaches. They're encouraged to show hospitality, use their God-given gifts to serve others, and speak or act in ways that glorify God.

Consider

In a world that is filled with people ‘fighting for their rights’, how does Peter’s teaching of being faithful prepare us for what lies ahead?

Prayer

• Pray for each other, for the gifts we have received and for opportunities to use them in our communities and in Scripture Union ministry as we serve children, young people and families.
• Peter once again returns to the issue at hand, the suffering of the community. He points them again to the example of Jesus (v12-19). Think about places in your community, country or the world where followers of Jesus are suffering. Spend some time in prayer for them.
• Pray for places in our world experiencing great uncertainty, where war, famine and political instability threaten people’s lives and wellbeing.