Photo by: chrisUK
With the recent thaw after a lengthy period of below normal temperatures, Michigan roads have suddenly become littered with axle-busting potholes. Our local paper reported yesterday that road crews are out trying to fill as many as possible. But as the the snow has begun to fall again, we have more than slippery conditions to think about.
Driving has become a bit like steering around the hazards that show up in the second letter of Peter. In his last two chapters he develops the realism that he alluded to in his introduction (2Peter 1:4). After defining what it takes to “participate in the divine nature”, he goes on to describe the ever present hazards—the degrading, self-destructive potential of following our own inclinations… when we wander from the wonder of the forgiveness and rescue that has been given to us.
Having caste his vision for a harvest of growth in the goodness and knowledge of Christ, Peter goes on to describe what happens to those who reject the Lord who bought them (2Peter 2:1). He writes of the danger of becoming slaves to the natural desires that master us (2Peter 2:19). In the potential risks of personal loss and destruction he helps his readers see what happens in the absence of the virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness (i.e. grateful reverence), brotherly kindness and love of Christ.
Using his last words to express the concern and perspectives of a lifetime, Peter writes, “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!” (3:18)
Peter doesn’t explicitly say what he means when he talks about the danger of falling from your secure position. Seems to me that he is, at least, alluding to the self-corrupting paths that distracted or disillusioned children of God can wander if we don’t practice the wisdom he urgently describes in chapter 1.
Which, in light of our last conversation, leads to a question that I think is worth considering whenever we read Scripture. Does it make sense to read every text as if it is being said by a witness who is sworn under oath to say “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”
The truth? To be rightly understood and applied, yes. Nothing but the truth? As inspired in meaning and intent, yes. The whole truth? If so, then what are we to do with Moses words when he describes the difference between what God has revealed—and that which, for now, he has kept to himself? (Deut 29:29).
Peter is writing to those who through the merciful rescue of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given the immeasurable opportunity to spend the rest of their lives growing in the grace and peace of God (2Peter 1:1-2). He is also writing to those who, like us, still have an opportunity to make a mess of the rest of the way home if we forget what has been done for us.
As for our unanswered questions, have we heard enough to focus our attention on the One who told Peter (regarding his unanswered question about another person) “What is that to you? You follow me…” ? (John 21:21-22)
Am thinking that knowing which unanswered, or at least arguable, questions to steer around is like driving to avoid deep potholes…
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