Keep on Smiling

 

1 Peter 5

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,  not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;  not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. 

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Keep on Smilin’

Song by Wet Willie

Well you say you got the blues, 

Got holes in both of your shoes, 

Feelin' alone and confused, 

You got to keep on smilin', keep on smilin'

You got to keep on smilin', keep on smilin'

Keep on smilin' through the rain, laughin' at the pain 

Rollin with the changes til the sun comes out again 

Keep on smilin' through the rain, laughin' at the pain 

Rollin with the changes, singin' this refrain

Big Idea

Peter concludes his first letter with a summary for living while knowing it will be so much “better farther on.”  He reminds us to live lives caring for, serving and protecting others, to move forward ourselves and to lovingly guide those we love onward toward the unfading crown of eternal glory.  Peter reminds us to live humbly casting our anxieties on our mighty God because he cares for us. He reminds us to be cautious in this broken world, to know that there will be trials and tests, temptations and suffering, but to also know we are never alone.

Peter reminds us to keep the faith, to press on (thanks Paul) because the God of grace is with us always and will restore, confirm, establish and strengthen us no matter the circumstances of this world.

And with that: to him be the glory forever and ever!

Amen and Amen!