by Darrell Evans
This week we looked at chapters 1 and 2 of 1 Peter. Peter, known also as “the big fisherman” was one of the three that often were at Jesus’ side. It is thought he died in the 60s, possibly under Nero. He wrote this letter to young Christians spread across five Roman provinces when Christianity was just becoming. No scriptures had been gathered together yet and Peter is writing to encourage people who are facing hard times. Maybe it was not Covid or possible war but choosing to follow Jesus meant persecution and struggles. Peter honestly faces the tension between our dark days and trying to live a faith modeled on the life of Christ. Christ did not lead rallies, confront the government, or rant and rave. He lived a life of principles and love, healing, preaching, and making life easier for the masses. How does one find inner strength to follow him?
In 2 Corinthians 4:8,9 Paul says, “I am pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.” Darrell Evans in 1997, while playing background music for people kneeling at the altar, started pondering what he would do with his past, what he wanted to lay down and get rid of. Interestingly he chose the word “trade.” He did not deny his mistakes. He did not cover up his mistakes. He did not blame others for his mistakes. He realized that he could help heal those memories of failure and problems by focusing on Christ and turning them over to a just judge. This song that came out of a spontaneous moment of worship is a popular worship chorus sung in churches now. Amazingly it upbeat tune lifts the heart after a bad day, bad week, bad year. I pray you enjoy it.
On the Way to Wonder 