“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful
brother,
I have written to you briefly, encouraging you
and testifying that
this is the true grace of God.
Stand
fast in it.
She who is in Babylon ,
chosen together with you,
sends you her greetings,
and so does my son Mark.
Greet one another with a
kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
1 Peter 5:12-14 (NIV)
histēmi2476 – to stand (trans. or intrans.),
used in various applications (lit. or fig.): - abide, appoint, bring, continue,
covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth,
still, up).
Peter’s first letter is filled with examples of those held
up by the grace of God. He concludes by reminding the reader to stand fast in
this true grace. Standing may sound passive, but watching my mother trying to
regain her balance and ability to stand reminded me that remaining on your feet
can be challenging. Remaining on your feet spiritually when winds of
persecution or trial are trying to knock you down is a dramatic test of faith.
Father, thank
you for using Peter to encourage us to continue in our covenant relationship
with you, realizing that your grace will enable us to stand.
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