1 Peter 2:13-5:14; Jude 1:1-16

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:13)

Today, in my part of the world folks don't go for suffering. Many barely tolerate discomfort, much less choose anything that might involve personal pain. And many of those who do suffer, whether by choice or by chance, complain about it.

Peter's advice stands in contrast with the experiences of many of my contemporaries. He says to rejoice while suffering for the sake of Christ, or to be more precise, to celebrate participating in Christ's suffering. Here Peter writes from the truth that Christ-followers participate in the ongoing life of Christ. Some of the time following Christ makes for miracles. Some of the time it makes for sorrows. But the Christ-follower can rejoice in the participation. In a sense we are not living our own lives. We are living the Christ-life. And that is reason enough to rejoice!