1 Peter 4:1-11 ~ judge the living and the dead

1 Peter 4:1-11

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio

¹Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. ³ For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴ With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

⁷ The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

As I grew up, I attended several Episcopal parochial schools. Running through winter rain to Church or seeing spring starting. Edward & I sent our children to Episcopal and Catholic parochial schools when we lived in a large city. Every day in Morning Prayer, where the The Apostles Creed was said a lot.

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,

Born of the Virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, dead, and buried:

He descended into hell;

The third day he rose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,

And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost;

The holy Catholic Church;

The Communion of Saints;

The Forgiveness of sins;

The Resurrection of the body,

And the Life everlasting.

Amen.

And as a child, there were Many mornings I found the Apostles Creed.... Much more interesting than the morning sermon. Sitting and drowning out the sermon after gauging from the first few minutes of it. The Apostles Creed contains all of the personal beliefs we are supposed to hold as Christians. But I really didn't believe until I was 15.

So, for the point of this discussion, more or less I was spiritually dead and having the Gospel preached to me. How old was I when I started guiding my own path... about 4th grade. It was as likely as not, the beginning of this blog. I could sit and think about judging the living (the quick) and the dead. And in my mind, it dollars to donuts looked a lot like Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein. About then I discovered I liked old movies.

Or another day... I'd think about conceived by the Holy Ghost. And the Christmas Art Contest..... What angels looked like. Or descending to hell. And it made me think, I just wasn't sure you could believe all of this as I was growing up.

But I have to say, I liked Morning Prayer. Singing the songs, walking to the Church, and no one was going to call on you and ask your opinion or a religious fact. If they did call on you, the answer was always Jesus. It felt great to just sit in the Church and be quiet. Even to just think or think of old movies.

And I remember hearing as an adult - in my thirties - from a wonderful Catholic Priest - when your mind wanders in Church, it's okay to just come back to what is being said. Just rest and come back. Years of feeling ..... bad... about all this was wiped out by the Priest smiling and telling us this. Father Bierchenck just was smiling in this beautific way and he said, "It's like Jesus says, just come back. Like Jesus making breakfast for the disciples on the beach, just come back. The door is open. Rest."

Just like this passage today. The Gospel was given to one who wasn't ready or attentive or all that interested or worthy. But it was given. As a gift. Not in judgement ( I never really remember anyone having a hush up problem in Morning Prayer with any great fuss), but it provided a way to be quiet. To enjoy the beauty of the day or the crash of weather or wind. To find shelter in Church. Steadfast love given. Earnest love covering a multitude of doubts. The opportunity in self-control to enjoy peace. Hospitality of God's House. To learn and become the person God has created. To rejoice, find joy and be at peace.

John 21:7-12
That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.

⁸ The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. ⁹ When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.

¹⁰ Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." ¹¹ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast."

Our Church Needlepoint Christmas Luncheon. Look at those handmade scarves Mary made us!! When was the last time you had a homemade, beautiful gift! (And my dog is doing just great - Vet said to expect no healing and all the spots are healing with new fur - this doggie is pulling and running with me on walks! Better than his photo.)


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