The Story: Recalling that the people to whom Peter was writing were experiencing persecution, we understand why he brings his book to a close with this particular focus. We are all called to suffer in one way or another, but it’s only for a “little while” compared to the “eternal glory” that awaits us in the new heavens and new earth (a theme Peter will develop a bit more in 2 Peter). So let’s keep our sufferings in perspective and learn to live with a view to the horizon of eternity. Everything that comes to us in this life, including our sufferings, is from the hand of God, and by His grace. We may discover joy and strength in suffering if we will bear up, looking to the Lord for restoration, confirmation, strengthening, and establishing now, and knowing that our full renewal is stored up in heaven in the dominion of Him Who reigns forever and ever.

The Structure: Christians live toward two horizons: the temporal horizon of our plans and duties, and the eternal horizon of glory and light. The more we learn to allow the latter to inform the former, the more our lives will move from glory to glory in advancing the Kingdom of God. By meditation, prayer, and mutual encouragement we may learn how to allow the “eternal glory” of King Jesus to fill every “little while” of our lives with meaning and strength.

Do you live toward two horizons? How does that work out in your life?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “Living the Glory: 1 Peter 5,” simply click here.

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.