Daily Encouragement

Thursday, March 31, 2005

"Like Precious Faith"

"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1).

Peter, who most certainly was among the most prominent of Christ's disciples, opens his final epistle by first asserting his servanthood even before his apostleship. Perhaps the kind rebuke of Jesus at the footwashing had really hit home. "I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him" (John 13:16). Regardless of what positions or titles we may have, like Peter, we must always remember that we are called to serve.

The letter is written "to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." That's us! The apostle Paul most clearly developed and articulated for the church the glorious doctrine of imputed righteousness, but Peter clearly expresses it here.

I find particular blessing in the phrase, "like precious faith." Wow. What a unique advantage of faith Peter had. He had walked and talked with the Lord during His earthly ministry. But in this passage Peter is writing to second-generation believers. He had written in his first epistle: "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8,9).

We have received a faith as "precious" as Peter and the other disciples and apostles! The underlying Greek word for "precious", means "of equal value or honor." The NASV translates the phrase, "a faith of the same kind as ours." Today among the inevitable challenges of life don't forget this great gift!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Note from Brooksyne: I wonder if Peter had any possible thought that his words would reach generations some 2000 years after writing about the wonderful truths and experiences God has for us. Only the Scriptures bring about life changing messages that transform lives and prepare for eternity. Just consider the opportunities we have to speak daily of our "precious faith" and allow the world to see this faith at work in our lives.

Yesterday we had our most pleasant spring day thus far of the season. Ester and I went on a country bike hike and I snapped this photo along the way. These stately old stone farmhouses are all throughout our region.

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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