Psalm 80; 2 Peter 2

Psalm 80;

This is a psalm that appears to spell regret from the children of Israel. They had sinned against God time and time again and broken God’s edge of protection over them. We see their appeal to God in Psalm 80:3(NIV) “Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”
In Psalm 80:4-6 one can almost touch the agony in their lamentations of God’s punishment and how much Israel had become an embarrassment amongst its neighbours because of God’s affliction on them.

Psalm 80:8-11 describes how God had distinguished Israel and made them the envy of its neighbours after rescuing them from Egypt. The remaining verses up until verse 16 continues to describe God’s punishment and abandonment of Israel.

In the last few verses we see Israel appealing to God to save them as they had learnt their lesson now.

What we can learn from this is if we wonder off from obeying God we only leave ourselves open for the enemy to plunder us because by disobeying God we stray away from His protective arms

2Peter2

From the beginning of this chapter I believe we are being enlighten & warned here that false prophets and blasphemers have always been from time immemorial so there is nothing new there but we need to be aware that they are setup for God’s judgement.

The scripture then continues by assuring us that God like he rescued Noah & his family from the mist of depravity and Lot and his family also from the evil of Sodom & Gomorrah, God will do the same today to protect the righteous from the evil, sin and temptation around them.

There is also a word of caution to us Christians not to be like “a dog going back to its vomit” by living to satisfy the desires of the flesh for the judgment of God will definitely come upon us like it did to Sodom and Gomorrah . The scriptures here describes how devastating backsliding can be by saying “It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.” 2 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

Let us be very careful to take this word seriously as we can see from the example of the children of Israel the consequences of turning away from God to serve other idols could be eternally devastating.

In Him

BM

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Jeremiah 43, 44, 46; 2 Peter 1

Peter is one of my favorite Bible characters.  Maybe it’s because he’s so relatable.  He messes up.  Then he messes up again.  At times, his faith is so evident—like when he cut off Malchus’ ear in an attempt to prevent the arrest of Jesus (John 18).  Yet, at other times (in this case the very same night!), he denies the Lord he was just attempting to defend—not once or twice but three times.  It seems like Jesus and his purpose were a mystery to Peter.  He was quick to act and speak, but his understanding of the true ministry and mission of Jesus was lacking. However, by the time Peter wrote his second letter to the persecuted believers, he referred to Jesus as “our God and Savior Jesus Christ.”  After witnessing Christ’s death and resurrection, Peter had a full understanding of Christ’s mission on earth. 

It makes me think about often I respond the same way. With the benefit of history and God’s Word, I have a clear understanding of all that Christ has done for me and what is required of me in return.  I have a head knowledge of what to do, but my heart response doesn’t always match up. Many days my life doesn’t look very changed by the truth I know and, like Peter, I mess up again and again.

Peter was challenging his readers in the same way.  He wanted them not just to KNOW the truth about God, but to LIVE it out.  And I love that Peter doesn’t begin this passage with something they need to do.  Instead, he starts by reminding them what God has already done for them. My striving will never work. Only Jesus can guarantee my salvation.

His divine power has granted to us all things
that pertain to life and godliness,
through the knowledge of him who called us to
his own glory and excellence,
 by which he has granted to us his precious
and very great promises,
 so that through them you may become
partakers of the divine nature,
 having escaped from the corruption
that is in the world because of sinful desire.
(2 Peter 1:3-4. ESV)

In the verses 5-7, Peter shares a progressive list of qualities that should be the natural outpouring of a heart devoted to following Christ.  I love how each quality builds on the next–our foundation of faith should ultimately result in love for others.

I also love that Peter starts this list by saying “make every effort” but concludes by reminding his readers that Jesus has called them and ensures their salvation.  As believers, we are called to know Christ and grow in our faith and knowledge of Him and show His love to others.  Peter is clear that the consequences of not doing so are dire:  ineffectiveness and unfruitfulness (2 Peter 1:8) If my faith is not bearing fruit, something is wrong.  But Peter is also clear that these qualities are not prerequisites for salvation.  They do not secure or ensure my salvation; they will be the natural outpouring of a gracious heart that seeks to know God.   

Father, like Peter, I have so many flaws and imperfections.  Help me to continue growing in my understanding of your great love and sacrifice for me.  May my life be characterized by faith in You, growth that makes me more like You, and a love for others that represents You.   

Jen