The book of judges ends with, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Jdg 21:25) and it appears the priests were no different. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were serving as priests but they did not know the Lord. They treated the sacrifices people made to God with contempt by taking the best portions of meat for themselves—sometimes by force. They also engaged in the Canaanite cultic practice of temple prostitution.

Eli is described as being very old when he confronts his sons on the wrong they were doing. This suggests that Eli had neglected his responsibility as a parent earlier on. Eli warned his sons with an illustration of a legal dispute. If two men have a dispute then God can mediate to exonerate the one charged with wrongdoing. But if someone is to stand trial against God, he can expect only condemnation. Hophni and Phinehas had committed a capital offense (Lev 7:25; 22:9) and could expect the death penalty. They didn’t heed their father’s warning because God had already determined that He would bring justice into this situation.

In contrast to the family of Eli, Samuel’s family is shown to continue living righteously. They continue to travel to the tabernacle each year for the festivals. Hannah hasn’t abandoned her son but continues in her motherly love and responsibility, caring for his needs and bringing him a new robe each year. God didn’t forget Hannah either but gave her more than she prayed for. She was blessed with a larger family—three sons and two daughters. In contrast to Eli’s sons who descended in wickedness, Samuel grew in stature and favour with the Lord (a similar description was made of Jesus as he grew as a boy).

An unnamed man of God came to Eli and pronounced God’s judgment on him and his sons. God declared that their priesthood would end because they had done what was evil. It is revealed that despite his warning, Eli was complicit in his sons’ sin by eating the meat his sons had taken by force. By not taking decisive action against his sons, he had honoured his sons above God. God would not completely terminate the office of priest but He would raise up a faithful priest whose line would be established and he would minister before God’s anointed one (the king) forever. This was fulfilled when the priesthood was taken from Abiathar, a descendant of Arron’s son Ithamar, and given to Zadok, a descendant of Aaron’s son Eleazar (1 Kings 2:27,35). But ultimately the Anointed One and the faithful Priest are both fulfilled in Jesus Christ who is both Priest and King (Heb 5:6; Rev 19:16).

This story is a reminder to me that circumstances are not an excuse for the choices we make. Samuel had very little contact with his parents while he grew up in the presence and example of two wicked priests, yet he grew in stature and favour with the Lord. We each need to make our own choice to live God’s way and it is a choice we need to renew every day (Luke 9:23). Every day you are not consciously choosing to follow God is a day you are drifting a little from Him.

The book of 1 Samuel records the establishment of Israel’s monarchy. Samuel was the final judge of Israel whom God directed to anoint Israel’s first king, Saul.

The story begins with Hannah, a woman married to Elkanah who was an Ephraimite. It turns out that Elkanah was a Levite by lineage (1 Chr 6:33-38) and an Ephraimite by residence (this explains why Samuel could serve as a priest). He had two wives. The one, Peninnah had children but Hannah was barren. Each year Elkanah would take his family to Jerusalem to sacrifice and there he would give portions to the members of his family, but to Hannah, he gave a double portion because he loved her more, even though God had closed her womb. God never condoned bigamous marriage but because of the lawlessness of the times (Jdg 21:25) a man whose wife was infertile could take a second wife to bear children. Having children was a blessing from God (Deu 7:13-14) and so not having children was considered a curse. Hannah’s rival would tease her because of her barrenness and she was so deeply sad that she would not eat. Despite Elkanah’s assurances of love, Hannah’s sorrow wouldn’t lift.

During one of the family trips to the tabernacle, Hannah decided to cast her burden on God. She made a vow that if God would grant her a son, she would give him back to the Lord for as long as he lived. Her dedication of her son was a commitment to the Nazirite vow (Num 6:1-8). Her prayer was so fervent and intense that Eli mistook it for drunken babble. When she assured Eli that she was only a troubled woman pouring her soul out to God, Eli sent her away with the assurance that God would hear her prayer.

A short while after their return to Ramah, Hannah conceived and then had a son whom she named Samuel. The name was chosen because it represented God hearing and answering her prayer.

The next year Elkanah returned at the next festival and this time he paid his vow to the Lord. The vow he paid was likely the dedication of Samuel to the Lord as promised. But Hannah didn’t take Samuel to the template that year because he was not yet weaned—he was still totally dependant on his mother. Later, when Samuel was old enough, approximately three years old, he was taken to the tabernacle and left to serve under Eli.

Hannah prays a beautiful prayer of praise that is Messianic in character. Mary incorporated some of this prayer into her song, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)

Just because God has said that children are a blessing doesn’t mean that a lack of children is a curse. This applies to many areas of life. Living in a sin-cursed world means that many things don’t work out best. But God has promised that He will always bring about the best from every situation (Rom 8:28). In every trial we face, the right response is to cast all our concerns onto God (1 Peter 5:7). Whatever terrible situation you might be facing, rather than consider it a curse from God, turn to Him in faith and trust Him to do what’s best in your life.

Peter addresses the elders who are leading the church. He first reminds them that he is a fellow elder, an apostle who witnessed the sufferings of Christ and one who would also share in the glory that Christ will share with those who share His suffering (1 Pet 4:13). Peter reminds the elders that they are shepherding the flock of God—it is God’s church. Elders should lead the church with the right motives. They should be willing to lead rather than forced into the job. They should not be selfishly motivated by money. And they should not domineer and control those they lead but be an example to them. When Christ returns, elders who have led well will be rewarded with a crown (a wreath) of glory. They will receive honour from Jesus for a job well done.

Peter also addresses the rest of the congregation. Those who are being led should be faithful followers. Everyone should be characterised by humility. Humility is the key to an elder ensuring that he leads with the right motives. Humility is the key to willingly following the leadership of the elders. In all of this, Peter reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Instead of looking to exalt ourselves, we should humble ourselves. The Christian should humbly seek to serve God by serving others and allow God to exalt us in His time. Not everyone will be exalted in this life but Peter has already spoken a lot about the rewards that await us in heaven for faithful living on earth. A large part of living humbly is to cast all your cares onto God. Worry and anxiety arise from wanting to control a situation which is a symptom of pride. Humility recognises that we have no control of any situation but that God cares for us. So completely let your worries go and hand them over to God. Casting your worries onto God doesn’t mean we should be careless. We must be alert because Satan is constantly looking for ways to trip us up. We can resist his temptation by being firm in our faith and recognising that we are not alone in our suffering. Peter closes with the reminder that our suffering will only last a little while and that God is the God of all grace who has called us to His eternal glory in Christ and He will bring us through to maturity. Peter’s prayer is not that we be removed from our trials but that we endure them to fuller faith.

When you face trials, are you more inclined to pray that God removes them from you, or do you pray that God would receive glory through them? Peter’s letter is a reminder that suffering is a natural part of the Christian life. In faith, we should endure our suffering while striving to live for Christ with the sure hope that He will reward us for our faithfulness when He appears in glory. Our lives should echo Peter’s doxology of praise: all glory and dominion belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.

Peter’s closing greetings refer to Sylvanus, who was also known as Silas, who probably wrote down the letter as Peter dictated. Babylon probably refers to Rome. Babylon was used as a code name because of the city’s wickedness. Mark is most likely John Mark who deserted Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:13) but who was later found trustworthy (2 Tim 4:11). He was Peter’s spiritual son who went on to write the Gospel of Mark based on Peter’s personal testimony of Jesus’ ministry. To greet one another with the kiss of love was to greet each other with culturally appropriate affection. Today that might be a hug or a handshake (or a physically distanced COVID wave).
Peter closed in the same way he opened, praying for peace (in the middle of trials and persecution) to all who are in Christ.

We should live expecting to suffer as Christ suffered. We should so expect it that it won’t surprise us when it comes. Trials that refine us are a normal part of the Christian life that God uses to mature us (Jas 1:3-4). We should rejoice at the opportunity to share in Christ’s sufferings—to suffer for doing no wrong, just our faith as Christ suffered having done no wrong. We should rejoice in our suffering now because we will also rejoice and be glad when He returns and reveals His glory. When Christ returns, we will be rewarded for our faithfulness. We should consider ourselves blessed if we are insulted for the name of Christ because that confirms that the Spirit of God rests upon us (Mat 5:10-12; Luke 12:4-12). But we can only rejoice in suffering we don’t deserve. Don’t be caught doing things that would naturally result in suffering. Don’t live a life that would justifiably turn people against you. Blessed suffering is blameless suffering. If we suffer as a Christian, we must not be ashamed but glorify God because we have the privilege of being called Christians (little Christs or those that resemble Christ).

Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31 and makes the point that if believers suffer a refining judgment, how much more will those who ignore the gospel not be able to escape a punishing judgment from God. Being a Christian is difficult because it involves suffering. If our sanctification is brought out through suffering, then how much worse will it be for those who refuse to believe. If suffering is a part of God’s will for the Christian, then we must trust Him completely with our lives in the firm belief that He knows what He is doing and that He won’t allow us to suffer needlessly (Rom 8:28).

Peter’s message is so different from the popular call to Christianity today. There is a loud call to Christianity because Jesus cares for you and wants what’s best for you. This is true but only half the story. Jesus knows that what’s best for us is to join Him in His suffering because from that we will receive an eternal reward. Will you boldly wear the name “Christian” at school or work and make sure you live a life that brings God glory through that name, even if it means suffering because of it?

Just as Christ suffered in the flesh (1 Pet 3:18) we should arm ourselves with the same way of thinking. Just like preparing for battle, we must adopt the courageous attitude of Jesus with regard to suffering. We must have an unwavering determination to live according to God’s will. We always have the option of avoiding suffering by going along with the will of society. But those who accept suffering have clearly chosen to avoid sin. They have given up their human passions to focus on the will of God. Peter reminds us that living a licentious life is a thing of the past. The lives of unbelievers of Peter’s day are not much different from those lived by many today. When you choose to live God’s way and avoid a sinful lifestyle, unbelievers won’t understand why you won’t join them and they will abuse you. But they will need to give account to God one day for the choices they make. This is why the gospel was preached, that we might live in the spirit rather than in the flesh. Those who responded to the gospel and are now dead have avoided the judgment that awaits those who live in the flesh and are now alive with God. Though unbelievers might judge us for not conforming to their values, God reverses that judgment and gives us life with Him.

Peter reminds us that Christ’s return is imminent and that should motivate us to live for and serve Him. Therefore we should be self-controlled and of a clear mind so we can pray well. Prayer is a key part of enduring suffering and living according to God’s will. Peter uses “above all” to show how important the command to love one another is. If we earnestly love one another, then our love will cover a multitude of sins. When love is our focus, then we don’t ignore sin, but we don’t choose conflict when wronged. We are quick to forgive and dispense grace just as we ourselves have received grace. Our love should be expressed in generous hospitality and serving one another with our spiritual gifts. God has gifted us for service and we must use those gifts as good stewards of God’s grace. Whoever speaks, whether preaching or just helping someone with godly council, we should speak with the seriousness of speaking God’s words. When we serve, we should serve with the strength and ability God provides. We should use every opportunity to be conduits of God’s grace to other believers. In everything, we should live to the glory of Jesus Christ.

Whether to unbelievers or fellow believers, we have an incredible opportunity to be expressions of God’s grace to those around us. How can you show God-level love to someone today?

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that are easily applied to everyday situations. Consider carefully which of the sayings you’ve read today are particularly applicable to you today and in the coming week. What do you need to change or do more of to make use of God’s wisdom in your life?

This passage seems a bit complicated and may be confusing on the first read. Again Peter is providing Christ as the example for what he has just asked of us as believers. In the previous verses, Peter tells believers to do good in the face of evil and to have an answer ready for anyone who asks for the reason for our hope. Jesus suffered for doing right. Jesus suffered once in that His death was fully sufficient for all sins. He was righteous and died for us, the unrighteous in order to reconcile us with God (2 Cor 5:19). Peter confirms that Jesus died physically and was raised again by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Verses 19 and 20 have been subject to various interpretations including the idea that Jesus, between His death and resurrection, descended into hell and preached to souls imprisoned there, but there is no Scriptural support for this view. It is most likely that these verses both deal with the same topic, that of the time of Noah. Jesus ministered through Noah by means of the Holy Spirit (The Spirit of Christ, 1 Peter 1:11) to the ungodly who, at the time of Peter’s writing, are imprisoned and awaiting final judgment. God was patient at that time giving people 120 years while Noah built the ark. But when the time came, only eight people were saved by the ark as they came through the floodwater. Noah is an example of one who committed himself to God’s course of action though he suffered much ridicule. Noah didn’t fear men but feared God and his reward was the salvation of himself and his family. Peter now points out that baptism corresponds to this. Peter affirms that baptism itself doesn’t save, “not as a removal of dirt from the body”. Baptism represents a break from our former lives to live in good conscience with God. But Peter still says that baptism, like Noah’s ark, now saves them (the readers). How were they going to be saved through baptism? As Jewish believers in the first century, they could be tempted to distance themselves from Christ in order to avoid persecution. Baptism was the basis of public testimony of identifying with Christ. By strongly identifying with Jesus, they distanced themselves from the Jewish community that was facing God’s impending judgment. Peter finishes with a focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ who has ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God with all authority. Our trust must be firmly placed in the resurrected and ascended Lord who is in control of all circumstances.

Are you firmly committed to Christ and prepared to live boldly for Him within an increasingly godless generation? What might cause you to shy away from your faith and distance yourself from Christ? Peter reminds us what Christ has done for us as a strong motivation to depend wholly on Him.

Peter has given instruction on how believers ought to live out their relationships with others with an emphasis on dealing with non-believers in various categories. Now he speaks about how believers should live in general in a pagan world. We should be unified and live in harmony with one another, even if we don’t have full agreement on everything. We should show sympathy to one another. We must have familial love for one another. Be tender-hearted to one another. Be humble. Instead of returning evil for evil, we should bless others because this is what we are called to. We should respond to evil with blessing because of our eternal destiny and the promise that we will be blessed for our faithfulness.

Peter quotes Psalm 34:12-16 which teaches that those who respond in retaliation to evil will face God’s judgement. God will judge both the victim and the instigator rather than bless the victim while punishing the instigator.
Jesus taught us to pray for those who persecute us (Mat 5:44) and Paul wrote “when we are cursed, we bless” (1 Cor 4:12). As believers, in all things, we should pursue peace.

As a general life principle, no harm comes to those who pursue good. But even if we do suffer for righteousness’ sake we will be blessed. We need not fear those who seek to persecute us. We must have the right attitude by focusing on bringing Christ honour. But we must also not remain silent. We must be ready to explain the reason to those who ask why we are responding in the way we are. When we respond to evil with blessing, that should cause people to ask, “why?” So we should be ready to explain our hope. But our answers must be gentle and respectful. Our answers for our faith must be God-honouring and not aggressive. When our responses are God-honouring, then we have a clear conscience and those who revile our good behaviour will be put to shame when they are confronted one day when they stand before God.
Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, should God should allow it, than it is to suffer for doing evil. That final statement seems obvious but there is no blessing in suffering for doing what is wrong. We will be blessed when we do good in the face of evil.

To do good in the face of evil is hard. But it is easier when you have confidence that justice will prevail in the end. Do you trust God to do what is right and bring about justice in His time and His way? Are you focussed on eternity and the promise of blessing for living faithfully?