11/24/23 Lit Word “Our Defender”

Date: 11/24/23
Today's Reading:
OT: Ezekiel 47:1 - 48:35
NT: 1 Peter 2:11 - 3:7
Psalms: 119:49:64
Proverbs: 28:12-13

Neal’s Lit Word

Title: “Our Defender”

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:12 and 23 

12 Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].

23 While being reviled and insulted, He did not revile or insult in return; while suffering, He made no threats [of vengeance], but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges fairly.

Observation: What is God saying to me?

I, Jesus Christ, am your example. I paved a path and modeled the way to walk it. Though I could have come back with more clever replies and brought a legion of angels to help Me I chose to subject Myself to the care and decision of My Father. You do the same. I’m not asking you to do something you are unable to do, I give you My power to do it.

When hard times come and people come against you, remember, it is Me they are wrestling with not you. Let Me be the judge, you simply preserve your peace, keep your heart close to Me and I will guide you and guard every step of the way. Hard times will come, if they hated Me, surely they will hate you too.

Application: What will I do about it?

This is not the most encouraging passage for escaping pain in the present moment, but we can learn a lot from our struggle and suffering if we go about our life with Christ.

Trust God today with the result. Don’t take matters into your own hands. Hold fast to the promise that He is always with you. Let that be enough and press into doing the good He has called you to do.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for the example. I know that You are the ever present Helper who shows up when the moment requires it. We are crying out today Jesus, we will follow You no matter the obstacle, bring glory to Your name through your servants. We are your servants. Amen

I Am Grateful For… grace and mercy

Tracker Questions

What is your typical response when men come against you, hate you and speak false things about you?

What would it look like for God to be your defender and you not to become defensive of yourself?