Before our youngest son became a teen, some wise person suggested we inform him about the near future. That is, like most his age, he would go through a few years of insecurity, low self-esteem, and constantly worrying what people would think of him. The idea was that if he knew about it ahead of time, he may not believe then that it would happen, but when it did, he would know that we knew and not feel so alone or as isolated as teens often do.
This was a good idea. When he was in
grade nine, he told me that he didn’t care what others thought of him because, “I
know that you and dad love me.” Knowing about trauma before it happens can be
helpful.
However, when the early church was formed
and began to experience persecution, some of those new Christians must have
been confused. They were sharing the most wonderful news that they had ever
experienced, but many people were not thrilled with it as they were. Instead,
these people made fun of them, even threatened and killed them.
Peter knew this persecution would happen.
He wrote two letters to persecuted Christians telling them to continue to trust
Christ. He said that in Jesus, they had all they needed to live godly lives,
even in dire situations. He talked to them about suffering as a Christian and
to not be ashamed. He warned them about false teachers and how God would
protect them.
He also said, “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)
In short, he reminds them that they would
experience mocking, and that this had been prophesied beforehand. When it
happened, it should not be a surprise. They knew it and needed to be reminded
of what they already knew.
How is this relevant for me? What is happening
in my life that God said would happen, but I have forgotten?
Well, for one thing I’ve often the idea
(or hope) that when things start going well for me, they will stay that way,
and that I can enjoy victory over discouragement, worry, and temptations
without any further struggles.
But the Bible never makes that promise!
God tells me that, “in this world you will have trouble,” and that I will get
weary in doing well, and that “the devil is like a roaring lion” seeking to
devour me — meaning that I can expect valleys as well as high places, rough
spots as well as smooth sailing.
In these verses, Peter used an unusual
term; he was making an appeal to remind their “sincere” minds. Apparently this
is an obscure word. It has something to do with the ability to stand up under the
scrutiny of sunlight. This catches my attention for I’ve long since passed the
age where it felt safe to look in the mirror in bright daylight. I look much
better under the light of candles, so want to avoid the bright light of the sun.
When it comes to having my mind examined
in broad daylight, I’m not too eager for that either. My mind is often
undisciplined and often thinking in ways Peter would not call “sincere.” Yet
this is the very reason why I need Peter’s reminders. For one thing, if my mind
was more like the mind of Christ, I would have less trouble remembering that
the Christian life is seldom lived on a plateau and not be so disappointed when
the mountaintop experiences do not last very long or when those valleys appear
when least expected.
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