May 19, 2026
“‘All shall be done,’ said Aslan. ‘But it may be harder than you think.’” –C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
“The end of all things is at hand.” (1 Peter 4:7). Peter knew the trials involved with living as God’s child in this world, and he sought to encourage us in Christ. We trust that Christ’s return is certain, but the timing is unknown to us. It feels like the day of resurrection will never come. During this long and indefinite wait, what shall we do? Peter instructs us to continue loving one another and showing hospitality, utilizing our God-given gifts for the benefit of our neighbors, and speaking and serving as those whose words and actions are grounded in the wisdom and strength of God.
We are called to live in this world not for ourselves, but for others. In this, we live with a sense of urgent readiness, not for more of this fallen world, but for the fullness of life eternal which comes with Christ on the Last Day. Because our only true hope is in Christ’s imminent coming with His kingdom, we are free to sacrifice the gifts we have in this world for the sake of our neighbor, know that God will continue to provide. In living out our vocations in this way, we bear witness to others of the imminent coming of Christ.
Peter likewise knows all too well the fiery trials that accompany the ultimate vocation of those who are in Christ. It should come as no surprise that those in Christ are at odds with this world (just as Jesus admonished in John 15 and 16). So, Peter tells us, in spite of any suffering we may experience at the hands of this world, our sharing in Christ’s sufferings is cause for rejoicing, because “when His glory is revealed,” (His glorious return) we will most certainly rejoice forever! Rejoicing in our suffering in this world is a part of our witness to those around us that our faith is rooted in the hope of resurrection. Since our comfort, strength, and hope come from His grace, which was given to us via His suffering, let us rejoice that our suffering at the hands of this world unites us to Christ’s passion, and therefore to His resurrection and life eternal. Thanks be to God for Peter, whose words point us to Christ, urging us to live with love, serve with humility, and rejoice in our suffering, knowing that Christ’s victory is certain.
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Because Your Son knew agony and loss, Felt desolation, grief and scorn and shame, We know You will be with us, come what may, Your loving presence near, always the same. Through long grief-darkened days help us, dear Lord, To trust Your grace for courage to endure, To rest our souls in Your supporting love, And find our hope within Your mercy sure. (LSB 764:4,5)
Rev. Jeffrey Ries, pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA