The Apostolic Reminder

"Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2Peter 1:13-21 NKJ)

What a powerful witness the blessed Apostle left for us! This paragraph is bursting with foundational understanding. Read it again carefully. Note his points. Hear the warnings. Receive the message.

Over forty years ago, I quoted a Scripture trying to justify my lifestyle choices. My father, a preacher and pastor, heard me and immediately admonished me with these quiet but firm words: “Son, you didn’t read that Scripture correctly.” Later when I got home, I re-read the passage and discovered that dad was correct and I was wrong. That one incident has impacted the way I read Scripture more than any other incident I can recall.

Too many times we read Scripture from a personal presupposition and desire rather than from the intent of the author whom God inspired to write it. Over the years, listening to friends, colleagues, professional theologians, and TV evangelists, I have discovered that most people like personal interpretations more than what the Scripture actually says. The Apostle Peter, however, warned "that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation.”

We are supposed to let The Word of God be alive in us (Col. 3:16). We are admonished to allow it to be planted in us (James 1:21). The Word of God restores our soul and guides us in the paths of true righteousness (Psalm 23:2-3). When the Word of God is alive in us, it will motivate us (Jer. 20:9). It will shatter our pride and apathy (Jer. 23:29). “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12 NKJ).

Dear Father, thank you for your message to us. Grant that I may be one whose desires and decisions are founded upon your Word. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today remembering the Apostle's warning,