"The Weekly Word"

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According To God’s promise, we are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. 

2 Peter 3:13

          So, I’m fascinated as I read this verse. Here’s Peter talking about the promises, the amazing, wonderful promises of God. And yet, in an earlier state he didn’t want anything to do with his friend, his mentor Jesus, God’s only begotten son. He betrayed Jesus, he denied he even knew him. Some would say Peter was just as bad as Judas.

          But then of course we remember, Peter repents and confesses his error in not looking to God the way Jesus had asked him to do. He eventually, though far from perfect, turns his eyes upon Jesus, and agrees here and after, to follow him and proclaim his message of pure love and salvation to everyone he can.

          In many ways, Peter is like us, right? It’s easy to say we know Jesus in church when everyone else says the same thing. But is it so easy when we’re out in the real world and many are just so negative? Is it easy when even our own family or friends perhaps even question whether God is present at all in the world? How bout in a seemingly impossible situation where you’re facing conflict or struggling with deep hurt or loss, is your first response to look to Jesus and draw on that eternal sense of hope?

          I’d love to tell you as a pastor, I always do that, but I just cannot. I simply panic sometimes when things are going wrong. I want to fix it, whatever it is. I want to make things right, fill in the holes. And then, I often step back, refocus, and remind myself, I can only do my part. Yes, I am far from perfect, and I must draw from the one who was, and is, and is to come, the only human who was ever fully divine or perfect.

          Peter’s discussion of those promises of God remind me to wait, and as I wait, I must do what I can to share his sense of wonderful love and light so others can, at least when they are with me, experience that marvel as well. Do I always think of it that way? 

Do I always want to do that? No!

          Praise God I am not perfect, because thank God that like Peter, Jesus continues to work in my heart, forming me for what is to come! I pray he will do the same for you as you tread this sometimes-complicated journey. May you find the beauty in Jesus, and know indeed, the best is yet to come! It’s the one promise in today’s world we can truly count on!

To God be the glory

Pastor Brandon