A Final Benediction
I discovered today that there is no greater joy than a grandchild catching a fish. Christian came prepared with fishing poles for all the kids. A nearby lake provided the convenient opportunity. By the end of a couple of hours of less all four of the grandkids (including Eliana age 3) had caught at least one fish. Cater was the last one to catch a fish and it ended up being the biggest of the day. (Carter, Eliana, Stephanie and Christian in picture above) However, it ended up being “catch and release” because one thing missing was a stringer for the fish. I believe there has to be some spiritual application regarding faith! Just as taking your springer or fishing basket along in anticipation of catching fish, when we pray we should anticipate the answer to our prayers. So we had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch instead of fish.
Back at the resort the weather was great to be at the swimming pool. I actually got into the big pool instead of relying on the comfort of the hot tub and was pleased that I could swim better than anticipate. This will be good therapy for rebuilding my muscles, especially my shoulders which are still limited in range of motion.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Dear friends…be on your guard not to be carried away by the deception of people who have no principles. Then you won’t fall from your firm position. But grow in the good will [grace] and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to him now and for that eternal day! Amen. 2 Peter 3:17,18 (GW)
The second letter of Peter’s is his final letter, just as 2 Timothy was the final letter the Apostle Paul. Both of the apostles wrote with an awareness that their time on earth was coming to an end. As such the the message that they write carries a great deal of significance. Also the final words of the letter are of significance as well.
Peter in sharing his priorities at this critical time reminded believers that God’s power gives them the ability to live godly lives. He writes to encourage them to pay attention to and heed God’s Word. He warns them about false teachers and admonishes them to be ready for the day of the Lord.
If there is a “short list of priorities” for growth and survival in the Christian life, I believe Peter is right on. His final words after warning them about deceptive people is to simply, “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Peter through his life experiences learned the value of receiving and extending grace. As one of the three closest disciples to Jesus along with James and John he knew that growth in the knowledge of Christ was essential. Each day was a new lesson, each teaching or parable called for contemplation and application of a spiritual truth. Jesus invitation was to “come unto me….and learn of me…” (Matthew 11:29) In our day we often hear the value of being a “life long learner.” I can assure you that there is no greater pursuit than to be a life long learner of Jesus. As Peter declares, “Glory belongs to Him now and for evermore.”