Do You Need Reminders? – When a Second Reminder Comes…
Most of us procrastinate about something. Usually the deadline is down the calendar road, or the matter doesn’t seem as urgent as today’s list of things to do. Our VISA credit card has an expiration date, so automatic payments will have to be updated. We have already received our first reminder from United Health Care about our Medicare Part D premium payments. I expect to receive more reminders until we have the new card and update the payments for several vendors.
Peter’s Reminder Was a Letter
Peter had written a letter to the persecuted church of his day. It covered a lot of important reminders about their future. But he knew how easy it was to forget or waiver, so he wrote a second letter. He wanted to stir up their minds with a reminder.
“This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.” 2 Peter 3:1-3
His First Letter: The Future is Bright
In his first letter he also called them to look forward to a future of great hope in heaven. He said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9
The End is Coming
In the same way he told them their problems would soon be resolved. He wanted them to use their remaining time loving each other, serving each other, and by bringing glory to God as a result.
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7-11
How to Identify a Follower of Jesus
They see God’s promises as certain.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,[a] not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Five Minute Friday
This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.
All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.
Know Your Flocks & Herds 