“Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you have. I consider it right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder, knowing that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has also shown me. And I will also make every effort that you may be able to recall these things at any time after my departure.” 2 Peter 1:12-15 HCSB
While attending GrandCamp with my grandson this past summer, a grandmother was present with two of her grandchildren. The grandmother’s father had just passed away a month before the camp. All of them had lived together in the same house before his passing.
During the Blessing ceremony at the conclusion of GrandCamp, the grandmother reminded her grandchildren of ‘great-gramp’s’ two verses he often quoted to the children. He would remind them, Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6) and “He [God] is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)
I was impressed by the potential power of those two verses upon the lives of these young children as they grow into adulthood. It caused me to think. These two verses may not be my ‘top ten’ in the Bible, but they most certainly are two important truths which show how the power to serve is an anchor for faith and focus.
This has caused me to give careful thought to Peter’s statement in the passage above. Peter’s second letter is much like Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Each were written out of a sense that their lives might soon be coming to an end. As a result, they carry a great deal of significance.
Peter’s short second letter was not written so much to teach something ‘new,’ as much as to remind and emphasize again some important principles. These are principles that he wanted his readers to remember and outlive himself.
Which begs an important question. Is the issue to learn as much as possible, or to have the best grasp on the most important concepts that need to be lived out? I believe Peter’s letter indicates the latter. As he sensed the ‘time of his departure’, he was not trying to cram more information into the minds of believers. Rather, he was reminding them of some truths, “even though you know them…”
As we look at the early verses of chapter 1, there are some things about which Peter desires to remind believers. He talks about God’s precious promises that are important to embrace and serve to help us “participate in the Divine nature and escape corruption in the world.”
He then lays out a list of character qualities which are to be present and growing in the believer’s life. Included in his list are things like being sure to “supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7 HCSB)
The bottom line is this: “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8 HCSB) As I think of Peter’s priorities, I think of what I would want my children and grandchildren to remember after I’m gone.
I think Peter would be pleased with the legacy left by that great gramp’s verses at GrandCamp reminding his great-grandchildren of God’s abiding presence and ability to work on their behalf. I am still considering what my basic verses might be – my Legacy of Truth for another generation. What would yours be?
Prayer for today…. Lord, I’m reminded that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” It is easy to have pride in how much we know, but too often we fall short on our love for You based on how we live. Help our faith and obedience to run deep in our commitment to You and Your ways. Help us to leave a legacy of truth that will outlive us.
Ken Summers is a former pastor, former Colorado State Representative, and Executive Director of Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains. He is currently a grandfather of six and has attended two GrandCamps in Colorado. He has also authored The Longest Campaign: Learning the Lessons of Life-Threatening West Nile Virus.
