I Peter 4:1-8
First century Christians believed the return of Christ would
come at any moment. Indeed, Peter writes in our text today, "The end of all
things is near."
Though we know little about what truly happened to the followers
of Christ in those hours between the crucifixion and the resurrection, it would
not be much of a stretch to surmise that they believed the end of all things was
near, but for very different reasons. The One they had followed, leaving behind
the familiar faces and places of their lives, had just been executed. Mark tells
us the disciples were weeping and mourning when Mary came with the news of
resurrection. John reveals that when Jesus first appeared to the disciples
post-resurrection, they were behind locked doors, afraid of what might happen to
them because of their association with Jesus. Perhaps the end of all things
would come for them as it had for Jesus.
Fear paralyzes, causing us to withdraw...to detach ourselves
from the world around us. The difference between the Christians Peter writes to
and the disciples in the immediate aftermath of the crucifixion, is
resurrection. Pre-resurrection, fear overwhelms, death defeats;
post-resurrection, fear is overcome, life wins. Thus Peter encourages his
brothers and sisters in Christ to arm themselves with the same intentions of
Christ...living not by their own desires, but by the will of God.
Perhaps in these hours between our observances of crucifixion
and resurrection, we would do well to heed Paul's words: ... live for the
rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of
God.
Prayer: Lord, help us overcome the fears that paralyze. May we
live by your will, in the light of Sunday's resurrection hope. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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