The New Testament
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Devotional
Weekly Bible Devotion By Books
Feb.26-March 2 2024
Enter the presence of the Lord-
(All) His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life
(Men) through our knowledge of him
(Women) who called us by his own glory and goodness.
(Men) make every effort to add to our faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
(Women) and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
(Men) and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
(Women) For if we possess these qualities in increasing measure,
(Men) they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive
(All) in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,
( 2 Peter 1:3, 5-8)
Confession
Jesus Christ, it is in you that we see our old self and our new self. We have tasted a little bit your holy beauty in our new self. Yet, we have lots to learn and to grow. We thank you that by your word, we see the roadmap to go. We submit our entire being and life to you. May your divine power continue to lead and support our growing. We love the life shaped and molded by your divine power. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter (NIV)
1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires”
1:10-11 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thoughts to Share: Why has the Lord not returned yet?
The 2 Peter reveals that Peter knew that his final time was to come (1:14-15). He looked back his lifelong relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He pondered what he would pass down to his audience. His most treasured life experience was his knowing Jesus Christ. So he told that following Jesus Christ was a process of experiencing the amazingly transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter knew how good it is to follow Jesus Christ and how marvelous the divine power is.
When he looked around the pressing need for Christ-followers, he noticed that false teachers, prophets, and their teachings were circulated among them. A particular issue in those false teachings was about the second return of Jesus Christ. It appeared that there was a great expectation and quest about the return of Jesus Christ. It was reasonable because there was only incomplete understanding prior to Apostle John received the revelation of the final things at the ‘90s of the first century.
For Peter, he had every reason to wish the return of Jesus Christ to end his own suffering. Yet, he knew that he would be with the Lord. The Lord will not come to end his personal death. He fully empathized the restlessness and urgent wishes of his audience in the same persecution and suspicion as he experienced. He saw the urgency to help them to understand the truth concerning the second return of Jesus Christ.
1)Peter and other apostles had eye-witnessed the majesty of Jesus Christ and undoubtedly knew that he was beloved God’s son.
2)The second return of Jesus Christ is referred as the “the Day of the Lord” by ancient prophets. The Day of the Lord was a sure prophecy by those prophets who spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
3)God’s sense of timing. “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (3:8-9, NIV)
4)The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. (3:10, NIV) Yet, the Christ-followers are waiting for new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells, according to his promise (3:13, ESV)
Peter further exhorted his audience to live at the present time in view of the second coming of Jesus Christ: We hear “You ought to live holy and godly lives.” (3:8b, NIV); “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation” (3:15a, NIV); “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (3:18, NIV)
Peter boldly pointed out the characteristics of those false teachers and prophets: deny the sovereign of the Lord, depraved conduct, dispute the truth, scoff the promise of the second coming of Jesus Christ. Peter led his audience to have a view that “God will hold these unrighteous people for punishment at the day of judgment.”
At the twenty-first century, we have the revelation by Apostle John at hand. Whenever we face difficulties, we instinctively ask, “Is Jesus returning now? “ Or we ask, “how long shall we wait?” We could say, who cares? But we had better ask question: Why delay? And then ask: how to wait? We need to heed Peter’s teaching: waiting patiently and living wisely while keep expecting the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Prayer Suggestions
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your words to remind us that we are to live at the present time with present tasks and hope in the future. We do not need to be tossed or depressed by the trends and waves around us. We know whom we shall please and see. Our lives are indeed both directional and purposeful. Remind us of your words when we become doubtful and restless. We have much to grow in Jesus Christ. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Benedictions:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you all in Christ.
Prayer Request
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