Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
There is a favorite “comical” line pastors use that goes like this, “If you see the word therefore, you should see what it is there for.” It’s an oldie but a theological truth. When the Apostle Peter wrote therefore you should suffer and trust God, he must have had some good reason. The therefore is there for this reason in verse 16.
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
Earlier still, Peter told his hearers that they would be insulted but that they would be blessed. Now that the audience knew what the therefore was there for, they could now undergo the worst suffering imaginable under the Emperor Nero because they would know there were blessings and, more importantly, their obedience and suffering would bring glory to God in the name of Jesus. That is, if they are willing to entrust their souls to God for his purpose.
Are we really ready for this kind of commitment to the Lord? After all, what did he ever do for us? Oh yes. He left his heavenly abode and came to earth to teach his followers to be like him. Then he took up his cross and paid the penalty for our sins. He rose from the dead and commissioned us to make disciples and take up our own cross. Then he sent the Holy Spirit to help us along the way. Jesus did all this selflessly for us, even though our human nature is for our own self-interest. He suffered first…
Therefore…
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church