This week’s passage is one of the most mysterious and difficult texts in the entire bible, and yet one of the most encouraging scriptures you’ll ever come across. In writing to these suffering Christians in Asia Minor, Peter encourages them in their season of pain and exile by painting three pictures of hope for them. First, he points them to Jesus, the suffering king who walks with His people in their suffering. Peter then points them to Noah, who suffered persecution and rejection before being delivered in a triumphant way. Finally, he points them to the picture of baptism to remind them that Christ is the ark that shelters them from the stormy waters of God’s coming judgment. The primary message of encouragement to the Christian is this: the king who conquered suffering will bring you safely into His Kingdom! Your temporary suffering in this life will be swallowed up in the glory of His presence. You are safe in Him. Take courage in the Suffering King.
