Today's Scripture:
2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace
and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and
forever! Amen.
Today's Thought:
These are the very last recorded words of Peter, the
outspoken and often imperfect apostle.
His charge to these believers is to grow in grace. Certainly Peter speaks from experience.
Peter was not always graceful. He wanted to call down fire from heaven on a
group who refused to offer assistance.
He wanted to send off the children who were flocking to Jesus. He cut off the ear of the servant of the high
priest. He wasn't always the most
forgiving person and it took him a while to grasp this concept of grace.
When he grasped it, we can never be sure. Perhaps it was when he was sinking in the sea
that he briefly walked on and Jesus extended a hand to rescue him. Maybe it was when he was welcomed back by
Jesus just days after he denied knowing the Lord. Maybe it was when he witnessed Jesus eating
with the "sinners". Anyway, it
seemed like Peter eventually learned that without grace he would be totally
lost.
Peter was given more than a second chance by Jesus and,
because of that, he became an important player in the establishment and growth
of Jesus' church. Aren’t we all at least
a little like Peter? Aren’t we all in
need of grace? Don’t we all need to grow
in grace?
As God has been patient with us, may we be patient with
those around us. May we see how the
grace of Jesus transformed a rough and tumble fisherman like Peter and see the
same potential grace can have with us and with others.
Today's Prayer:
Father, we have so much room for growth when it comes to
grace. Help us to be patient with
others. Help us to see the best in
others. Keep us from cynicism and doubt. Help us to grow in grace and experience the
transformation that grace can make in our relationships with the people around
us. If grace could transform Peter, it
can transform us! Through Jesus. Amen.
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