“In Remembrance of Him...” – 2 PETER 1:10-18

After today, we will leave this epistle of Peter and go back to the gospel of Mark. Peter is at the end of his life (1:12-15) but is looking back to the life of Jesus and the purpose of His death and resurrection. We are not called to commit our lives and souls to a philosophy – we are called to commit to the man Jesus of Nazareth. Unlike all other religions, however, we are not called to the feet of a mortal man, but to the feet of God Himself who became a man. While others may follow one who lived, taught and died, they all have two common traits – they sinned and they are still dead. The precious faith received by Christians is in the One without sin who is RISEN and ALIVE. Sadly, the trend among those professing a belief in Jesus as the Christ is toward “consumerism”. THE church is being replaced by “churches”. These churches compete with each other on the same base level as any other product offered for consumption in the marketplace. If you read 2 Peter 1:3-11, you will see that the Lord’s church calls you to discipleship, not consumption.

It all goes back to the man, Jesus Christ and the sinless life He lived on this sin-filled rock called “earth”. The gospel record reveals many who challenged Jesus on moral and religious grounds, but none who successfully charged Jesus with one single sin. He was a man who was tempted in every way, as we are, but He alone stood the test. Peter says this is no “cleverly devised tale” (1:16), but unassailable truth. If Jesus is without sin, then He is eligible to be the sacrifice for sin (mine and yours). If He is the atoning sacrifice, then God offers truth and asks for faith (1:1). Remember your sin, and then remember Jesus.

It all hinges on Jesus being God in the flesh. One sin would negate everything, and Satan knew it. The temptation in the wilderness was the great opportunity, and Jesus persevered without sin. Forty days without food weakened His flesh and He was vulnerable. By faith we “see” Jesus living through and overcoming the daily temptations of life among other people. Peter heard the truth and saw His glorification (1:17-18). If anyone would have seen the flaws in Jesus it would have been Peter. If anyone could have had a moment of weakness and cried out, “Yes, I failed, but so did HE”, I believe it would have been Peter. Yet, Peter acknowledges His deity and His majesty (1:16). You don’t have to watch too long on cable channels to find plenty of folks with religious titles who will compromise this fact. They claim that Peter and the others made it all up after Jesus’ death and “created” a religion. The Holy Spirit marvelously anticipated this tactic, and moved Peter to remind us of the truth.

Does the story of Jesus “stir you up” (1:13)? We should not need a consumer-driven church to stir us up with entertainment and programs. A daily glance back at the life of Christ should do that ... and then we can take up our cross for this day. Growing our faith should not be dependant upon the skill of the preacher or the faithfulness of others around us. A daily walk with our Savior should do that ... as we remember His love, His grace, His sacrifice and His kingdom. No, we don’t need a church that competes with the Super Bowl. We need the cross, and the Word and disciples. Remember?