The Seventh Sunday of Easter (NT)

1 Peter 4:12-19

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And

       “If the righteous is scarcely saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

It is time for the judgment. We need to take a hard look at our own lives. We need to take a hard and difficult look at our church. St Peter reminds us that the judgment begins with the people of God. We first will be judged, and then the world. If you do not hold a measure to your own life, how can you know to measure your neighbor.

St Peter does not say, “Do not Judge!” He tells us that those of you who think you are righteous may find another thing coming. Those of you who are avoiding suffering, will find it soon enough. There are many people who suffer in this world justly. They suffer because of their evil and wicked behavior. There are others who suffer on account of their confession of faith.

For those of you in prison, or under criminal punishment, you suffer justly for these things. This suffering should not be removed, but embraced. Likewise, those of you who suffer on account of your confession, this suffering should be embraced. We know that our Savior Suffered not for his own sins, but for our sins. He has redeemed us from eternal suffering.

It is time for the judgment. Judge yourself as to whether you would be numbered with the scarce number of righteous to be saved. Judge yourself as to whether you deserve salvation. But know that Jesus Christ has died to make you his very own. He has claimed you in the waters of Baptism. He feeds you with his precious blood for the forgiveness of sins. He does all of this not because you are worthy, but by grace, so entrust your soul to God.