https://odb.org/2026/01/20/the-gift-of-trials-2
1 Peter 4:12–19 (NIV): 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Just as the radio host’s name is his birthright, early believers in Jesus took on the name “Christian” as their spiritual birthright. Barnabas and Saul ministered a year in Antioch, and through the preaching of the good news, the church grew. The early believers in Antioch lived so much like Christ that people who didn’t believe in Jesus—called them “Christians” (Acts 11:26). So “Christians” were those who belonged to Christ. Bearing that name ultimately became a source of persecution. But Peter encouraged believers to “not be ashamed” of their birthright and of suffering for bearing that name (1 Peter 4:16). (Marvin Williams, Our Daily Bread 20th January 2026)
For gentile converts, the experience of being persecuted would’ve been a new and likely shocking experience. The Jewish people had experienced generations of suffering as a minority culture group and had therefore developed ways of understanding suffering and even dying for their faith. But the gentiles had been completely at ease with and accepted in their culture before their conversion to belief in Jesus. Experiencing suffering might have even caused them to doubt the truth of the gospel if they thought God’s favor should lead to their prosperity. To address this, the apostle Peter emphasizes that there’s nothing “strange” (1 Peter 4:12) about suffering for Christ. Instead, those who bear His name could view suffering for Him as a way of participating in His own suffering and could eagerly wait for the day they’d share in His glory too (vv. 13-14). (Monica La Rose, Our Daily Bread Insights 20th January 2026)
Although as modern day gentile Christians many generations down the road, we do not suffer the same persecution the first generation Christians did, we do suffer indirect or even direct discrimination because of our faith. It could be subtle or even explicit because, for exampke, we are not of the majority race in this country.
But hypothetically, if somehow given the choice, would we want to be born as part of the majority race? I used to think about this a lot when growing up as I lived in an environment where nearly 99% were Malays. They have their birthright and privileges as sons of the soil in this country but since discovering Jesus Christ and accepting Him as my Lord and Saviour, Christianity is now my birthright. And as Marvin wrote this morning, no amount of money, suffering, or abuse should cause us to compromise that name. We will not want to give away our birthright like Esau did with Jacob, not for a bowl of soup or for fame or fortune or for any of the perceived advantages if we were to become a part of the majority race. The Kingdom of God is too precious to give up for anything as things that are intangible and can’t be seen are eternal. Fame and riches and privileges are a poor match compared to the glory that awaits us in eternity. Likewise no suffering on earth can compare to the glory that we will receive from Christ, our King, for having ran and finished the race that He had prepared for our earthly lives!
Ronnie's Thoughts 