Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:14-18
The last written words from the apostle Peter the personal friend of Jesus, who in the upper room was filled with the Holy Spirit and had a tongue of fire over his head. Who had visions, and angelic encounters. Who spent time in jail and was killed for his unwillingness to deny Jesus Christ … the last time. Peter became a beacon of a person who was faithful in the end, even though he was known to be impetuous and full of bravado in personality. He and Paul had their encounters too… not always agreeing, but coming around in agreement to see the will of their Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit. All of those twelve apostles suffered and were persecuted for their commitment to Jesus, and everyone of them except John died by someone else’s hand, or blade, or cross. But the tradition says John got the experience of being boiled in oil, but that still didn’t kill him so they sent him to the prison ‘isle’ of Patmos.
Those men were willing to go the complete distance (to death) for their Lord and friend Jesus. Are you? We still may get that opportunity. We still may face terrible opposition for our faith in Him. We may face all sorts of scorn and ridicule for our obedience to Him. We may lose all sorts of things for the sake of Christ. How much are you willing to lose for Him? So many want all the blessings, but how many are willing to lose all things for Him?
Is He alone enough for you? Or must you hang on to all those things you still have comfort in? Has he asked you to ever give something up? Has he ever asked you to give up friendships, relationships, and certain jobs? What Has He asked you to get rid of in your life?
The path with Him is narrow, and steep. But if you are yoked in with Him, then if we listen to Him He will guide our steps. Have you ever considered what you would do if you faced those kinds of trials the first century believers did? Or the trials of current day saints living in Iran, Syria, China, or North Korea? Or is your faith not strong enough yet? Why? Is it because you haven’t obeyed Him when He asked you to stretch your faith, and go on an adventure with Him? Are you without spot or blemish? Will He find you obedient and faithful when He arrives for you, or when your path with Him is at an earthly end?
These are things that are good to think about, weighty, worthwhile pondering. Have you asked Him what you need to do to get ready for the things He has for you? Are you ready like Paul and Peter to face the ‘authority’ of the world and declare to that government magistrate your allegiance to the King of Kings Jesus Christ?
Now is the time to make that commitment solid and steadfast in your heart and mind. No matter comes your way Jesus IS your LORD. Final. Done. No wavering. Able to stare death in the face and know Who is waiting for you with open arms.
TC2