In today’s text, Peter is very near to his death but he was determined to remind the readers (and us) what we already know from the scriptures. In verses 12-15, Peter uses the word remind or refresh three times and considering he was near death, this tells us that it is important to be reminded of the Godly values that we must adhere to. He is reminding them of the godly Christian character listed in verses 5-8 to strengthen our faith and pursue godliness, affection and love. Peter understood that we have the tendency to be complacent in our walk with God and we need regular reminders that we need to make every effort to increase our faith. Just think of about the last time you forgot something on your grocery list or forgot a task or a birthday. Our memory is usually not perfect. We forget things.
The story of the golden calf in Exodus 32:1-6 is one example of how we can quickly forget God’s commands and goodness. The Israelites has just seen numerous miracles including crossing the Red Sea on dry land but when Moses spent 40 days on the mountain with God, the Israelites made a golden calf and worshipped it. In just 40 days, and the Israelites disobeyed God. If any of you are parents, you would have said something like this to your child “How many times do I need to tell you?” My son loves to play outside my house where there is a small drain. I would tell him time and time again repeatedly, be careful where you walk, you will fall into the drain. And behold a few days ago, he was playing outside and he fell into the drain when I did not pre warn him. Sometimes we can be like that in our spiritual walk in God, we know what God’s word said but we need reminders to warn us of the dangers of disobedience. We can be careless.
Stories in the Bible and also sermons serve as useful tools for us to remember God’s word and His teachings. There are some who listen to sermons and switched off after a while because they have heard a similar sermon before. Maybe some of us want to hear something ‘new’ rather than being reminded of a similar teaching. Similar to an athlete who repeats the same training regime, it is important for us to be reminded of the same teaching. We are in a constant battle against the world and false teachings. Worldly ideas are being imposed on us daily through television and social media. If we are not reminded of God’s truth, our spiritual life will slowly be replaced by worldly truths. We should be excited to hear God’s word preached and have a desire to hear it and apply it. We must not come to place where we become indifferent to God’s Word even when it is familiar. We need to be reminded of the basic truths so that we stay on course.
Never take our gift of salvation for granted and the cost that Jesus Christ paid for our redemption. His life and His precious blood was spilled for us. This is the reason why should meet every Sunday for corporate worship and to meet regular for bible studies to learn and be reminded about what God has done. This is also why we are called to remember the Lord regularly in Holy Communion. Do not allow ourselves to be indifferent or complacent to God’s word. Do not let the world’s voice be bigger than God’s truth.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for all that you have done and all that you have taught me in Your Word. I pray that I never take what you have done for me for granted and not be complacent in our walk with You. Fill me with Holy Spirit to help me faithfully walk with you and to never forget your goodness. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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