Apologies for the lateness of today’s note.
1 Peter 4:14-16
14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
As we finish this week’s notes about names, this seems a great place to end. Peter is talking about being persecuted for our faith, a common experience amongst the early Christians, which is why so many books in the New Testament refer to it, and thankfully something that we in the West do not so obviously face today. But in discussing this, he points to an amazing principle. As Christians, those ‘in Christ’ as Paul would put it, we bear Jesus’ name. Like an ambassador for a country or for a leader, we act on his behalf, we are seen in some way as him. What an astonishing thought, both an obligation, to do the best we can for him, and a privilege that he should trust us in this way.
Thank you Jesus for this astonishing privilege, that I should be seen and known as yours. Spirit, help me live a life worthy of this calling.
Ps. Don’t forget to pray for and promote the Alpha Course…
https://wormleyfreechurch.org.uk/2020/06/16/questions-about-life-and-faith-try-alpha/
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