What would you say to your children if you knew you were going to die soon? Or how about your children in the Lord? I think I would tell them something along the lines of "trust the Lord and have faith in Him and it will go well with you and with those around you for generations. If you do not, it may go well with you for a time, but there will always be a price to pay for you and those around you."
Peter in his second letter says something similar. He knows he's going to die soon because the Lord has made this clear to him (2 Pet 2:14). And in this letter it contains words that someone who sees the ends of his days wants to remind his children in the Lord: "I will always remind you of these things even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you have. I think it is right to refresh your memory...I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things" (2 Pet 2:12-15). Peter's dying wish was that his words would always be remembered. And 2000 years later someone like me is driving a car in a country yet discovered remembering the words he so desperately wanted to outlive his own life. 2000 years later!! His desire was fulfilled--abundantly. And since men don't waste their words when their end is near, we must ask 'what did he say?'
In essence he says this:
1) Through him we have everything we need, for daily matters and for spiritual matters.
2) Through him we can join with him completely, outsmarting the snares of evil.
3) Through becoming like him we will become effective and productive--our lives will matter.
4) If you follow the above, NEVER will you fail but better than that, the doors of heaven will be opened wide for you.
These are good words!!! And Peter, thank you for making every effort that these words would be remembered. Words such as these should not be forgotten. Your efforts were not in vain.
Peter in his second letter says something similar. He knows he's going to die soon because the Lord has made this clear to him (2 Pet 2:14). And in this letter it contains words that someone who sees the ends of his days wants to remind his children in the Lord: "I will always remind you of these things even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you have. I think it is right to refresh your memory...I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things" (2 Pet 2:12-15). Peter's dying wish was that his words would always be remembered. And 2000 years later someone like me is driving a car in a country yet discovered remembering the words he so desperately wanted to outlive his own life. 2000 years later!! His desire was fulfilled--abundantly. And since men don't waste their words when their end is near, we must ask 'what did he say?'
In essence he says this:
1) Through him we have everything we need, for daily matters and for spiritual matters.
2) Through him we can join with him completely, outsmarting the snares of evil.
3) Through becoming like him we will become effective and productive--our lives will matter.
4) If you follow the above, NEVER will you fail but better than that, the doors of heaven will be opened wide for you.
These are good words!!! And Peter, thank you for making every effort that these words would be remembered. Words such as these should not be forgotten. Your efforts were not in vain.
