Dale Buchanan
Devotional #21 in 1 Peter
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” (1 Peter 2:21-23 KJV).
April 2007, Malatya, Turkey: Three Christian men working in a Christian publishing house welcomed what they thought were “seekers.”
But within a few minutes of the arrival of five men, all three of the Christians lay bloodied with their throats slit.
The five men were arrested and said they were defending their country and religion – Islam.
It made national news in Turkey.
A day later, on TV, two of the widows offered forgiveness to their husbands’ killers.
Their forgiveness was because the Lord had forgiven them so much; therefore, they could forgive the killers.
Christ was the perfect example of suffering.
While in the intense agony of physical and spiritual suffering, Jesus prayed,
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
(Luke 23:34).
Those who hate Christ, the gospel, and the Word of God are angry against believers to the point of violence.
It is a daily reality for Christians in hostile and restricted nations around the world.
The physical suffering, torture, and imprisonment endured by them are incredible.
We need to be in daily prayer for suffering Christians.
In these times, we could possibly face this kind of trial.
It makes our petty hurt feelings and offenses trivial.
Jesus told us how to react:
Obedience to the Lord, no deceit, no reviling back, no threatening.
We must humbly commit this trial to the Lord.
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