Thoughts about Second Peter 1, Part 1

We are so accustomed to media producers needing to get their credits we expect to wait before we get the good stuff. We still have a moment to get a cup of coffee or a cold drink before things get interesting. Not so with God. Here in the beginning of Second Peter the “good stuff” begins with “Simon…” listen, “Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” This is a power packed sentence.
Right from the get-go we have life changing information to guide us into the knowledge of God. In my mind when God wants to move something to His advantage He does it. “Simon” did not fit God’s plan so He changed it to Peter. I can hear Peter saying, “Simon that’s who I was. Peter that’s who I am because God changed my name.” And if that is not enough he goes on to say he is a bondservant.
Now a bondservant is a slave who has served his indenture but does not want to leave his good master so he voluntarily dedicates himself to his master for life. In order to show his status as a bondservant his master takes the slave to the doorpost and with an awl about the size of an average index finger and pierces the earlobe. This marks the slave for life as a bond slave or bondservant. But there was no such mark on Peter. What marked Peter’s life as a bond slave for Christ?
This mark piqued my curiosity and raised the question, “What marks my life for Christ, my Lord and master?” I do not have a hole in my ear. What do I have? There is nothing physical that would say to others, “I am of Christ.”
In his first epistle Peter gave this instruction, “But sanctify the Lord in your heart and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. Having a good conscience…” (1 Pet 3:15) He was speaking from experience having committed his life to Christ even to his own crucifixion. I want to believe I would do the same and yet I know my testimony gets tarnished from time to time because I do not always put Jesus first.
My whole point is with Christ the “good stuff” is in every word and the order of the words. There is nothing written in the Scriptures that is not important. Slow down when you read the Scriptures. Read one verse or one word at a time and ask of your reading, “What does God want me to know about Him from what I have just read?”
Paul prayed in Colossians 1 this, “We asked God to give you a complete understanding of what He wants to do in your life and to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord and you will continually do good, kind things for others.” I believe this is the mark we carry for Christ. Being spiritually wise and thinking outside ourselves is what sets us apart from the world and without a word tells people we serve the living God of the universe and no other.
May you be blessed this day and forever!