Peter was a hardworking fisherman, a self-designated ‘sinful man’, who, immediately captivated by his encounter with Yahshua, gave up everything to follow Him [Luke 5:1-11]. We become aware of Peter’s weaknesses, foibles, passions and blunders as we follow his story through the Gospels. We ache with him in the Judgement Hall as he denies his Friend; grieve at the empty tomb when he arrives too late; wonder at the lakeside breakfast when Yahshua heals his heartache and commissions him; thrill at Shavuot when he preaches his first inspired, anointed sermon; watch in awe as his ministry unfolds.
I’m always blessed by the letters of this apostle; they glow with maturity, understanding and knowledge. His growth in the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit is evident as he calls us "to holiness and a life of love. We are also called to glorify [Yahweh] in our daily lives and to imitate [Yahshua]” [Christian Standard Bible, introduction]. Peter’s second letter opens with soul-stirring passion. “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us…he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature,” [2 Peter1:3-4, italics added]. It’s mind-blowing that we share in the divine nature! What manner of people ought we to be? It surely puts into sobering perspective the thought of bearing His image!
To attain this goal and allow Yahshua to be seen in us, Peter encourages us to “make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” [vv. 5-7]. We’re not saved by our own efforts, but by grace. However, grace will make us active in our own salvation! Peter encourages us to ‘make every effort’ to add to our faith, to supplement it! This must be done in ‘increasing measure’ [v8]. Yahweh “…has been diligently at work with us; now we must diligently work together with Him” (Charles Spurgeon). Remember, our ‘every effort’ is underpinned by Yahweh’s divine power which supplies all we need and we share in the divine nature!
Image by Stéphane CHADOURNE from Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/photos/tug-of-war-soka-tira-effort-team-2665148/
This Is My Friend!Blessed is the person who places his confidence in Yahweh and does not rely on arrogant people or those who follow lies.
Psalm 40:4, Names of God Bible
No matter what happens to us in this life, the word of [Yahweh] tells us that [Yahweh] is for us, not against us.
Donna Kazenske
The Congregation Of Yahweh
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