For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
1 Pet. 4
The end of all things is near. Therefore…what four things should we do? The Bible never said that walking God’s path would be easy. Full of blessing, yes. But also full of suffering. Not only do we have the suffering of living in a fallen, cursed world to deal with, but we also have to bear up under suffering for living contrary to the world’s ways. That load ends up being easier for some than for others, but it is something we must all endure.
Since, then, we know that we will suffer while we live on this earth, we need to live accordingly. First of all, Peter says that we need to arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ. Far better to suffer in this body than to live a slave to sin. Next to that, the family of Christ needs to come together as one body to help each other. We must be alert, pray, love each other deeply, and willingly serve one another in the strength God provides. We know true life lies in following God’s will rather than our own desires. “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (1 Pet. 4:19).
Is. 23-24
Why did the Lord plan Tyre’s downfall? What is your personal takeaway from this? Tyre’s story is, at its foundation, the same as the rest. God takes her down because of her pride. It is always pride. The pride of the Nations shows itself in many different ways. Some lord it over others while others worship everything but God. Tyre hoarded her great wealth, foolishly thinking that it made her important, powerful, and secure. However pride shows itself, it is always in defiance against God and God will always put it in its place.
As with the other Nations, however, Tyre’s prophesied downfall also ends with restoration. God promised that Tyre would once again be a wealthy trading hub, but this time with a difference. “Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the LORD; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothes.” (Is. 23:18). Though I don’t understand all the implications of these prophecies, I do see the basic pattern. The fire of God’s wrath consumes our pride and His restoration changes us for His glory.