Restoration Is Coming

    An admirer once asked orchestra conductor Leonard Bernstein which instrument was the hardest to play. He quipped, “Second fiddle.  He said, “I can always get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm is quite a problem.”  A posture of humility is something we are expected to embrace.  Let us hear what Peter says, turn to 1 Peter 5:5b-11.

     Paradoxically speaking, Peter is saying, the way up is down.  Again, we are addressing the upside-down kingdom.  Scripture tells us that the humble servant will be exalted and the power seeking will be humbled.  A lesson learned is: Being willing to set aside our own agenda for God’s is a kingdom mindset.  In doing so harmony may arise.  We need to joyfully step into playing second fiddle.  It is what needs to happen to have harmony in the body of Christ.  

     Peter is urging them and us to deal with our pride and anxiety and to stand firm against Satan. We need to remain alert and hopeful – because in the end will be glory.  

     In the Upper Room, the night of the Last Supper Jesus taught humility. He served the disciples.  This act of submission and servanthood set the stage for us.   We need to be submissive to one another – willing to play second fiddle, step into the background, lift someone else up - which happens as we become more secure in ourselves and in our relationship with God.  In a world where everyone is out for themselves, let us strive to be out for one another.

     Seriously consider this question.  Am I humble?  I had a professor who once said, “Once we think we are, we know we are not.”  We all have something to glean from this passage.  We need to understand and believe that without God, we are nothing.  We are dependent on God for every breath we take. Peter is blunt, “God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.”  Pride and humility contradict, being prideful prevents humility beginning the inevitable fall, whereas humility begets grace.  

     1 Peter 5:7 reads, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  By handing over our anxieties to God, we are surrendering our worries and receiving love, care, grace, and mercy.   In essence, we are saying, I trust God to manage what I cannot, freeing us up serve better - concurrently benefiting from God’s grace.  As I shared with the children, we cannot fully trust God and choose to worry simultaneously.  Which are you deeming more beneficial?

     Then Peter exhorts us to beware; we have been warned.  We need to vigilant in resisting Satan.  Satan’s goal is to disguise and devour, to intimidate and attack.  He tried to manipulate many people throughout scripture and was successful with all but Jesus.  Satan is good at what he does. He does not need to change his ways because our pride, flesh, lust, greed, fear, and lack of obedience continue to challenge us.  We need to resist, say no.  We need to remain firm in faith.  We cannot deprive ourselves from doing the work we are commanded to do; we need to use God’s words, just as Jesus did, and rebuke the devil.  

     It is fitting for Peter to talk with us about pride, anxiety, and Satan as he, the one who swore loyalty to Jesus, soon denied his relationship with Jesus three times.  Despite the betrayal Jesus forgave.  We have a forgiving God, a patient parent who sustains us today and through eternity.   

     Closing, Peter prays assuring restoration, strengthening amid chaos, and promising a foundation from the One who faithfully provides the guidance we need.  God is at work helping us to overcome the challenges we face, we need to do our part. And all God’s people say, amen. 

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry

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