99/6/20
English Remake of Pastor Hayashi's message
1 Peter 2:18-25 (please
read)
Why submit when it hurts?
Recently pastor Hayashi was reflecting on the faces of the disciples in
Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Last Supper'. Recall that at the last supper, Peter declared
that he stick with Jesus although others fall away. Jesus said Peter would deny
him three times. The faces in the painting capture each disciple's heart.
Peter wrote to believers during Nero's reign, at time when Christians
were severely persecuted. He wrote for us to live such good lives that although
others accuse us of doing wrong, they will see our good deeds and give God glory
when Christ returns, 2:12. As part of this, we are to submit to every authority
for the Lord's sake.
In today's passage Peter told slaves to submit to their masters,
whether they are good or harsh. At that time, there were perhaps 60 million
slaves and 54 million Romans. None of us here today are 'slaves', so how does
this apply to us? If you work, you have a boss who may be good or harsh. Wives,
your husband is your authority (1Peter 3). For children who are still at home,
it is your parents. Students, your teachers are your authority. Men, since you
answer to Christ, be a good husband and father (1Pet 3and5).
Each one of us is under some authority, and suffer. Sometimes we suffer
for what we did wrong. There is a lesson for us but no credit. Sometimes we suffer
even though we did right, so we suffer unjustly. Then what do we do?
We follow Christ's example. Christ never sinned, so all his suffering
was unjust. Jesus was Lord of the universe, King of creation, but He submitted to
the human authorities of the time. He entrusted Himself to God who would judge
Him justly--it was the only way to save us. Jesus died unjustly so that we
could begin to live rightly. Peter knew this in his gut since Jesus had
forgiven Peter's betrayal and given him a new life to glorify Him.
David gave us another example. David was already anointed to be the
next king. But while Saul was still king, David served Saul. Several times Saul
tried to kill David and falsely accused him. When running for his life, David
had several opportunities to kill Saul. Then David would immediately become
king. But he did not kill Saul even when urged, because God had made Saul king.
Instead David repeatedly proved his loyalty to his king, Saul. Considering
David, we can understand we must submit even in extreme cases, and not just
when it is easy. Does your boss, husband, or parent know that
you loyally submit to them, because you submit to God?
Like sheep, we wandered away from our authorities. Now we submit,
though we may suffer under our authorities. We do this because we have
entrusted our life, our rights, our reputation to God. He is the ultimate
authority and guards our souls.
Translated by Roy Henk.