December 13

1 Peter 3:17‑18
“For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” ―1 Peter 3:17,1817For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:17‑18).
MY sins put Christ on the cross, where He suffered in fullest measure, bearing all my desert that I might be freed forever from the suffering I had so richly earned. Now I am called to live and witness for Him in the world that rejected Him and to which I once belonged, but out of which He has saved me. Henceforth, holiness and righteousness are to characterize me. I am now to walk as He walked—in fellowship with Him, as enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing else is worthy of one who has been so gloriously redeemed at so great a cost. Nor need I expect worldlings to understand. I know I must encounter their enmity and scorn. But I can conquer through Christ.
“Be patient then; with such a rest in view,
Blessed are they who Zion’s ways pursue;
Each faithful pilgrim, through His mighty grace,
Shall there appear, and see Him face to face.
He is their Sun, to chase the shades of night,
And cheer their souls with heavenly warmth and light.
‘God of all grace,’ each day’s march He’ll bestow
The suited grace for all they meet below:
The ‘God of glory,’ when their journey’s done,
Will crown with glory what His grace begun,
Rich in the treasures of eternal love,
His watchful goodness all His people prove:
Through time’s short day, and through eternity,
‘Blest is the man, O Lord, who trusts in Thee.’”
—J. G. Deck.