21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
Did you ever find yourself in a new job where you knew right away it would be hard? My trainer at one of my jobs said something helpful. He said for the first two months, you will be convinced you cannot do it. Here Peter, reminding his audience that they had been called by Jesus Christ to be like Jesus Christ. Then he listed the ways they could not do it. He suffered the ultimate penalty for our sins, not his own. He committed no sin. He had no deceit. He was not vengeful or threatening, and had total faith. Now go out there and do it, Peter seems to say.
So many people in the world think that they will never be good enough to be saved. The above verses by Peter show them that they are exactly right. The following verses show them the gospel message. By his wounds we are healed. The checklist above cannot be completed, except by the Savior of the world. Stop trying. It does not bear fruit. The Holy Spirit bears fruit in you. Today, rest in the knowledge that, of course you cannot do it. Now rest in the assurance that because Jesus did, you live in him. Now following in his steps is easy because he will be with you until the end of the age…
Leading the way.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church