Hello! Today we begin and finish 2 Peter which largely focuses criticisms about false teachings and their followers and "Peter's" rationale for why the second coming of Christ is taking longer than expected. The author argues that God is patient and is waiting for more people to believe in Jesus so that God does not have to damn so many people to hell. As you're noticing the farther we get along in the canon the increasing conversations about hell and heaven. This is a clue to scholars that these documents are likely not written by the apostle of the name but are written much later. Additionally, 2 Peter describes Paul's writings as "scripture", the first time that term has been referenced in the New Testament. Thus, we can assume that this was written closer to the 2nd or 3rd century when churches had already been established. Nevertheless, I find some really good nuggets of wisdom to be found in this short letter which gives us pause to consider what our timing is vs God's timing and how to be faithful when God can seem to move so slowly in our context. For now, let's read and see how God will speak to you today!
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
The author talks about God's timing being so different from ours - what do you think of this? Is this comforting or a struggle of your faith?
What about this reading can you apply to you life today?
2 Peter 1:5-7 lists a group of qualities that produce more fruit in our lives and transform us into like-mindedness with Christ. Revisit these attributes then consider the following: What can you do today to increase in each of these qualities? Make a list of what you need to improve on.
- Overview Video -
As we enter a new book let us glean wisdom from what lessons this teaches us and how it applies to the greater canon.
Praying the Hymns
Our prayer for today is inspired by hymn 345 - Tis the Old Ship of Zion. As you consider the words of this (new) hymn may you discover new and yet familiar signs of God's expression of love. This is one of Thomas Dorsey's hymns...another well known hymn he wrote is "Precious Lord, Take my Hand." Dorsey is credited as the forefather of Gospel music as we know it. He said he combined "the good news of Christ with the bad news of blues" to create this new genre. Gospel has always been my all time favorite church music. Just so much passion. You'll get a little feel of that in this song. What are your thoughts on gospel?
The version in our hymnal is a super stripped back version so I don't have lyrics for you today. Sorry!