How do we feel when we are
reminded of something for a second time? Are we offended, encouraged,
or nagged? As we begin this third and final chapter of the book of
Second Peter, Peter begins his words in verse one with yet another
reminder of the purpose of this book. We read:
This second epistle,
beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your
pure minds by way of remembrance:
The
verse begins, “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto
you;” As though one “epistle” or letter was not enough,
Peter has written this second letter to the church. Because Peter was
about to leave the earth through death, he was purposed to write to
those whom he refers to as “beloved” who would remain
after his departure. Interestingly enough, since he wrote these
words, we have the benefit of them today, and God has used Peter's
final words as an exhortation and encouragement to us as well.
The
verse continues, “in both which I stir up
your pure minds by way of remembrance:” Peter
makes reference to “both” of
his letters in this part of the verse. He purposes to “stir
up” or “to wake up,
awaken, arouse, and render active” the “pure minds”
which means their “sincere, unsullied faculty of understanding,
feeling, desiring, and thinking”. Peter's purpose was to awaken his
“beloved's” minds to the surroundings in which they lived.
They were to be aware of the falsehoods that were penetrating their
faith, and as Peter reminded them of these things, they were to wake
up.
As we have read through
these wonderful words of Peter, hopefully our minds have been
awakened. Prayerfully we are now more aware of those who would
attempt to dissuade us from the truth, and we know how to be alert to
their activities to a greater degree than when he started this book.
As we consider this “Second” book and this “Second” reminder
from the apostle Peter, perhaps we will be grateful to the Lord God
Almighty that He ultimately has thought it best that we have a fresh
reminder of the wayward ways of those who would misalign our
relationship with Him. May the Lord Jesus evermore remind us as often
as He sees best.
Next
time we will see of what we are to be reminded, so read ahead, and we
shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment