The Lodestar

Peter’s letter addressed the believers facing trials and tribulations for their faith. He encouraged them to persevere, constantly pointing them to Christ’s example, the glorious inheritance they have in him, and the assurance of his second coming to take them to heaven. Peter taught Christians how to act when they endure hardships for their convictions.

Peter wrote in the mid-AD 60s when the churches in the Roman Empire faced severe state-sponsored persecution. However, persecution of Christians is not a thing of the past but still continues. According to unofficial statistics, 89 Christians are in jail in Uttar Pradesh alone, in India, facing charges of conversion. Things have not improved since Peter’s days; instead, they have worsened instead.

Peter’s advice to people facing persecution is threefold. First, those who are persecuted for their faith should face it without fear, and they should not be troubled in their hearts. Any person who is afraid and anxious about the personal consequences of harassment, violence, arrest, and imprisonment will never be able to witness Christ effectively.

Second, despite the pain and suffering, they should never compromise the Lordship of Christ over the systems of this world. He reigns, and ultimately, he will win. Meanwhile, he will take care of those who suffer for his name. When martyrs of the early church asked to recant their faith in Jesus Christ to be spared from being burned at the stake, they refused and chose to die.

Third, we must patiently and kindly witness to those who are curious to know why Christians are joyful and unashamed of being treated as criminals. Persecution is an opportunity to share the faith. The Book of Acts says that Paul used imprisonment and court trials to share his faith in Jesus Christ. In Philippi, the jailor and his household believed and were baptised (Acts 16:25—34). His imprisonment in Rome led many Roman aristocrats to Christ (Phil 1:12—13).

Most of us live peacefully and securely. But many of our brothers and sisters on the frontline are enduring difficult times in their ministry. What they experience now could be the fate of those who are secure today. It is only a matter of time. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare our hearts with Peter’s advice. We must also pray that those facing trials now will have the wisdom to confront struggles boldly, honouring the Lord, and see it as an opportunity to share the Good News of the Lord.

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