Daily Scripture

For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, or of governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. (1 Peter 2.13-14)

Daily Reflection

We are promised a new exhibition, ‘Nero the man behind the myth’, at the British Museum. It will not be easy to clear his name - Nero is infamous for claiming gold medals for himself in the Olympics, singing while Rome burned and torching Christians to transfer the blame, not to mention having his mother murdered. St Peter was one of those who died in Rome under Nero, yet here is a letter bearing his name which calls for respect for the emperor. How does this read for us or for a citizen of Burma? The principle for a Christian, Peter’s letter says, is to follow Jesus’ example - never to counter evil with further wrong but to face up to injustice with continuing respect. Heaven help us!

David Harmsworth