To those who are under a weight of pressure: God will vindicate you

It is widely believed that Peter wrote this letter during Nero’s reign and around AD 62-64. It is written to the scattered Christians in modern-day Turkey who live under the Roman Emperor’s control. It is full of encouragement to persevere under the intense pressure of persecution. They are to remain faithful to Christ and walk in His example. Peter will quote from the Old Testament to support what he writes, as he does in these verses, from Isaiah 28, Psalm 118 and Isaiah 8 respectively.

“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.” (1 Peter 2 v 4-8)

Perhaps today you feel stuck between a rock and a hard place!

Are you anxious of what might happen to you? Don’t be!

God will vindicate you:-

1. As God laid a stone in Zion, He has also sent and established you in this place. You are where you are because of God.
2. God chose His Son. He doesn’t make mistakes and that includes you.
3. God placed Jesus as the cornerstone. Though the mounting pressure on you may feel all-consuming it is not the most important thing in your life. The cornerstone sets the course of action. He has you.
4. God gave you someone precious. Jesus is a treasure of love, grace, truth, peace and power. You trust Him, you love Him, you belong to Him; He is precious to you.
5. God was glorified during the rejection, slander and persecution of His Son because Jesus was obedient and held onto His Father. In the same way there is no shame or humiliation to those who put their hope in Jesus. Remember you are standing on the Rock.