2 Peter 3:14-16 Preparation for the Coming of the Lord
14 So, my beloved friends, with all that you have to look forward to, may you be eager to be found living pure lives when you come into his presence [before him], without blemish and filled with peace. 15 And keep in mind that our Lord’s extraordinary patience simply means more opportunity for salvation, just as our dear brother Paul wrote to you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He consistently speaks of these things in all of his letters, even though he writes some concepts that are overwhelming to our understanding, which the unlearned and unstable love to twist to their spiritual ruin, as they do to other Scriptures [twist it to fit human understanding].
Every time we open up Scripture and begin to read it, the Author is with us! Our Creator, our Lord, our Messiah, our Teacher, our Friend, and our Guide speaks salvation to our spirits as we read his Word. Scripture is one way God makes himself know to human beings; the Word is called God’s self-revelation. Since God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours, sometimes there are passages in God’s Word that may be difficult to understand. When that happens, we need to invite the Author, as he sits with us, to open our spiritual understanding of the Truth and help us interpret his purpose in the text and how it relates to our lives.
When we understand what God wants to speak into our lives, we can move in humble obedience and apply it. Think about it this way, we can become One with the Word! Isn’t that what Jesus prayed for all believers while in the Garden just before he gave his life for us? (John 17:21). God provides grace to help us in every area of life—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. When Paul needed greater understanding for his life, God spoke to him saying, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). So, please continue to read the Word with these things in mind.
Prayer: Father, thank you for helping me understand the fuller meaning of your Word as I dig in each day. Please continue to daily sit with me and be my Helper. In Jesus’ name. Amen.