Links for today’s readings:

Read: Ezekiel 39 Listen: (4:51)
Read: 1 Peter 2 Listen: (3:48)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Read: Ezekiel 40 Listen: (8:21), Read: 1 Peter 3 Listen: (3:30)

Read: Ezekiel 41 Listen: (4:40), Read: 1 Peter 4 Listen: (2:50)

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 2.11-17

11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Reflection: Exceptional Emperors

By John Tillman

When we think about difficult commands in the Bible, we might first think of the Old Testament. Sacrificial practices, laws about “unclean” things, sabbath rules, or other ritualistic regulations seem overly complex and strange to us. Commands to conquer or destroy enemies, wipe out opposing nations, or execute people for adultery or idolatry seem brutal.

But with a quick scan of human history, we don’t actually have difficulty with those types of commands. We excel at creating and enforcing overly complex systems of rules. Just look at the United States tax code. We also don’t typically have a problem adopting brutality and violence when faced with nations, people groups, or ideas we fear. Recent history shows that fear makes fanaticism and might makes right, even in modern “enlightened” times.

Cultural prejudices tell us the most difficult to follow commands are in the Old Testament, but the commands we fail most often to obey are from Jesus and the New Testament writers.

Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Forgive repeatedly. Do not resist insults. Take up your cross. These, and others like them, are the hardest commands of Jesus and the entire Bible. They are hard for us and were hard for the disciples, including Peter.

Peter was a natural fighter, not a forgiver. He was quick to blurt out curses and quick to draw a sword. Jesus went “the extra mile” several times to get these lessons into Peter’s head.

Peter was slow to learn these commands, but he did learn them. He demonstrates this with his own exceptionally hard commands.

Submit to human authorities. Even pagan ones.
Show proper respect to everyone. Even enemies.
Honor the emperor. Even if it is Nero.

We may think our political situation is bad. Perhaps your candidate lost and the other candidate won. Perhaps you think the winner is exceptionally bad. Peter’s situation was worse. No authorities Christians typically face today are as anti-Christian as the Greco-Roman pagans Peter’s readers faced.

Nero was an exceptionally bad emperor but Peter made no exception for the character his readers must demonstrate. We do not have exceptions for our character based on living under a bad “emperor.”

Exceptionally wicked times or emperors, do not justify exceptions to following the way of Jesus.
Good deeds silence enemies faster than returning evil for evil.
Our character under adversity shines God’s glory brighter than victories.

From John: Divine Hours prayers will return next week. For the remainder of this week we will close with the “Election Prayers” that have been in our Echo Prayer feed for the last few years.

Election Prayers:

Pray that in any unrest or conflict that Christians would distinguish themselves from the culture by being able to protest without violence or threat and by being able to give a listening and compassionate ear to even the most strident of opposition.

Pray that we would not be guilty of name-calling or any unwholesome or dehumanizing language.

Pray that what comes from our speech would demonstrate the truth in love no matter what happens around us.

Pray that Christians would not be part of sinful gloating, of boasting, or threatening others over political wins or losses.

Pray that all parties and individuals would reject violence or threats of violence and seek justice for victims of political violence.

Read more about Different Kind of Exile

Peter’s words about living in a pagan society have always been applicable, but they seem especially appropriate to our times

Read more about Repurposed Weapons

Our world, and Satan who rules it, wants us to be their weapons…Tragically, we are often deceived and march to war

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Ezekiel 38 Listen: (4:23)
Read: 1 Peter 1 Listen: (3:53)

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 1.17-21

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Reflection: Imperishable Things

By John Tillman

Peter’s audience included Jews and Gentiles scattered throughout several Roman provinces. He called them God’s elect. They were Jews, Cappadocians, Galatians, Romans, etc. but now they are redeemed in Christ. Their other identities became secondary.

Peter writes to us as well.

Like Peter’s readers, we were divided by our varying cultural heritages, scattered among provinces, and subject to principalities and powers both spiritual and political. But now, by God’s foreknowledge, we are chosen from among those identities, places, and kingdoms to live as one people under Christ. This world is no longer our home. We used to belong here. Now we are exiles.

Our ancestors handed down to us empty ways of life, filled with perishable things such as power, pleasure, and wealth that are obtained by sinful means such as greed, division, striving, and violence. The precious blood of Christ redeems us from that perishable life to an imperishable life.

“Rome” holds our earthly citizenship, but our kingdom is heavenly. Our race holds our earthly heritage, but our people are those from every tribe and tongue who confess the name of Jesus. Our culture informs and influences our moral framework, but our righteousness is revealed in the life of Jesus and our sanctification is accomplished by obedience to his Holy Spirit.

We must ensure we are not putting our hope in the perishable life instead of the imperishable. If we do, we will live in anxious fear of human governments rather than reverent fear of God.

Right now in the United States, we may or may not know the results of the recent election. As I write, days in advance, anxiety is high for many. Elections have real consequences, so reasonable concern is warranted, however, what is imperishable cannot be lost, no matter if we “lose” a human political contest.

By God’s foreknowledge, you are his elect placed here for his purposes. No matter which “side” prevailed in your local and federal elections, you have “work” to do that God will judge impartially. There may be policies or agendas to opppose or support, but more importantly there will be people who need love, hope, and the service of those who aren’t trying to win their votes but win their souls.

With alert and sober minds, set your hope on the imperishable and work to serve others in ways that testify to the kingdom on which your hope is set.

From John: Divine Hours prayers will return next week. For the remainder of this week we will close with the “Election Prayers” that have been in our Echo Prayer feed for the last few years.

Election Prayers:

Pray that in any unrest or conflict that Christians would distinguish themselves from the culture by being able to protest without violence or threat and by being able to give a listening and compassionate ear to even the most strident of opposition.

Pray that we would not be guilty of name-calling or any unwholesome or dehumanizing language.

Pray that what comes from our speech would demonstrate the truth in love no matter what happens around us.

Pray that Christians would not be part of sinful gloating, of boasting, or threatening others over political wins or losses.

Pray that all parties and individuals would reject violence or threats of violence and seek justice for victims of political violence.

Read more about Wrongly Placed Fear

We need not fear being marginalized if we properly fear God. Christianity has done much of its best work from the margins.

Read more about Peacefully Resisting Gog and Magog

Gog and Magog show us how nations and powers align themselves against God’s people wherever they settle.

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 3:8-9
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 

Originally published on November 9, 2022, based on readings from 1 Peter 3.

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
Cheryl, South Dakota — Amen! And Amen!

Reflection: Love One Another — Readers’ Choice
By Erin Newton

If you took time to read all the verses that command God’s people to love one another and pursue peace, it would take quite a while. Love one another. (John 13.34-35) Show faithful love and compassion to one another. (Zechariah 7.9). Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. (Romans 12.10). Let us consider one another in order to provoke love. (Hebrews 10.24) And on and on. Why the repetition? Wouldn’t one command have been enough?

People have always struggled in relationships. Families are broken. Friendships are strained. Neighbors are viewed as enemies. Since the breaking of peace in the Garden of Eden, humanity has been at odds with itself. This should not be so. This is the brokenness of our world.

After exhorting people in specific relationships, one last call to unity is given to the whole congregation. Peter reminds his church to seek what is good: Love. Sympathy. Compassion. Humility. Cautious words. Slowness to speak. Blessings to others.

We cannot blame our hatred, rudeness, malice, anger, or selfishness on ignorance. Too many commands have taught us to behave otherwise. Being a jerk is a conscious decision. We choose not to love someone. We choose not to speak kindly. We choose not to withhold insults.

For those who live in the United States, many will awaken to news of newly elected leaders. Some of the results will be for decisions or people we supported and others will not.

Over the last few years, culture has sunk into a climate of animosity. Our values and beliefs have turned us against one another. Sadly, it has seeped into our churches. Christians, united by the Holy Spirit, have turned against one another.

For our friends around the world, it will be another day with other concerns. No matter what the day brings, we still have the opportunity to choose our responses to one another.

Let us strive for something worthwhile. Let us strive for peace. If we are going to use up all our emotional energy targeting something, let it be with the energy of love and kindness. If we are going to be screaming, may it be words of life and encouragement. If we are going to focus our attention on someone for something they said, let us put our noses into our Bibles and read God’s words instead.

People will be watching us today and in the days to come. Be a worthy spectacle.

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading
Jesus taught us, saying: Is a lamp brought in to be put under a tub or under the bed? Surely to be put on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. Anyone who has ears for listening should listen. — Mark 4.21-23

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
1 Samuel 23 (Listen 4:18)
Revelation 3 (Listen 3:53)

Read more about Confessing Hostility—Guided Prayer
Like rebellious, prodigal children, our hostility breaks fellowship with you and with our brothers and sisters.

Read The Bible With Us
Our Bible reading plan’s sustainable, two-year pace helps you find meaning without being overwhelmed. Join us.
https://mailchi.mp/theparkforum/m-f-daily-email-devotional

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 5.6-11
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: Humble in Suffering
By John Tillman

Some leaders love to scare us by telling us we will be crushed in suffering if they lose. Peter promises we will suffer, yet rejoice, standing firm.

Some leaders love to promise pain and suffering aimed at any group we find threatening. To the world, our enemies’ suffering is acceptable—even good. This is the way of the world, yet some Christians have joined in this, advocating for governments to cause suffering to force a diaspora of political opponents.

Peter, more than anyone else, knows that Jesus does not want us to cause suffering for our enemies. (John 18.10-11; Luke 22.50-51) Jesus healed those Peter struck with his sword. For the Christian, suffering must never be a whip to lash out at others. But it may be a spur to our own sanctification and a kindly attempt by God to break down our pride.

Let us never see suffering as a tool for us to wield. Let us never suffer for doing evil—being cruel and unloving. Instead, let us suffer for doing good and seek God’s face. (1 Peter 3.13-17)

Let us pray this prayer over the weekend based on 1 Peter 5.6-11.

Humble in Suffering
We humble ourselves, in suffering, Lord.
We place ourselves under your hand
For our protection
For our perfection
For our comfort
For our correction
Your hand is mighty and can accomplish anything within and around us.

Our anxious thoughts we give to you.
Our fearful doubts we give to you.
Our selfish desires we give to you.
All of these we entrust you with because you care for us.

Keep our minds sharp and aware—awake to the dangers and threats of our enemy the devil. 
Do not let us be complacent, but neither let us be fearful.
May his prowling and roaring be the pacing and grumbling of frustration, for we are not unaware of his schemes.

Help us to stand firm in solidarity with those suffering worse than us.
Help us be an example and encouragement to those suffering far less.
Remind us, Lord, that suffering is temporary.

When the time is right
When we are needed
When we are ready
You will lift us up,
Empower us,
And save us.
Through us, may you be glorified by those with whom we share your grace and who accept your mercy.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life. — Psalm 90.14

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Ezekiel 42 (Listen 3:12) 
1 Peter 5 (Listen 2:11)

Read more about What to Expect When Suffering
When in suffering, we can at times be surprised by the emotions that are stirred. We can encounter deep sadness, anguish, and even rage.

Read more about A Prayer for Crisis
Psalm 89 shows us a helpful and repeatable pattern of prayer for those in suffering, doubt, frustration, or crisis.

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 3:8-9
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 

Reflection: Love One Another
By Erin Newton

If you took time to read all the verses that command God’s people to love one another and pursue peace, it would take quite a while. Love one another. (John 13.34-35) Show faithful love and compassion to one another. (Zechariah 7.9). Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. (Romans 12.10). Let us consider one another in order to provoke love. (Hebrews 10.24) And on and on. Why the repetition? Wouldn’t one command have been enough?

People have always struggled in relationships. Families are broken. Friendships are strained. Neighbors are viewed as enemies. Since the breaking of peace in the Garden of Eden, humanity has been at odds with itself. This should not be so. This is the brokenness of our world.

After exhorting people in specific relationships, one last call to unity is given to the whole congregation. Peter reminds his church to seek what is good: Love. Sympathy. Compassion. Humility. Cautious words. Slowness to speak. Blessings to others.

We cannot blame our hatred, rudeness, malice, anger, or selfishness on ignorance. Too many commands have taught us to behave otherwise. Being a jerk is a conscious decision. We choose not to love someone. We choose not to speak kindly. We choose not to withhold insults.

For those who live in the United States, many will awaken to news of newly elected leaders. Some of the results will be for decisions or people we supported and others will not.

Over the last few years, culture has sunk into a climate of animosity. Our values and beliefs have turned us against one another. Sadly, it has seeped into our churches. Christians, united by the Holy Spirit, have turned against one another.

For our friends around the world, it will be another day with other concerns. No matter what the day brings, we still have the opportunity to choose our responses to one another.

Let us strive for something worthwhile. Let us strive for peace. If we are going to use up all our emotional energy targeting something, let it be with the energy of love and kindness. If we are going to be screaming, may it be words of life and encouragement. If we are going to focus our attention on someone for something they said, let us put our noses into our Bibles and read God’s words instead.

People will be watching us today and in the days to come. Be a worthy spectacle.

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading
Jesus taught the people, saying: “Good people draw what is good from the store of goodness in their hearts; bad people draw what is bad from the store of badness. For the words of the mouth flow out of what fills the heart.” — Luke 6.45

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Today’s Readings
Ezekiel 40 (Listen 8:21) 
1 Peter 3 (Listen 3:30)

Read more about Good and Pleasant Unity? A Prayer for Election Week
Talking about unity is almost universally seen as a political power grab and talking of civility is seen as capitulation.

Read more about Confessing Hostility—Guided Prayer
Like rebellious, prodigal children, our hostility breaks fellowship with you and with our brothers and sisters.