Heralds Digest

"They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness". (2 Peter 2:15 NKJV) Since the game of love is played in the heart of man, it is common sense for players to ascertain, before game start, the willingness of parties to proceed in the same direction. However, many players are mischievous in their interpretation of smartness. Like Balaam the son of Beor, many prefer to desire a long-term love relationship with God with a short-term affection for unrighteousness in pursuit of riches, position, immorality, etc. Unfortunately, no one can engage the devil in the game of unrighteousness, and expect to die the death of a righteous man.

"...and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries." (2 Peter 2:10 NKJV) Personal lifestyle, based independent principles, are easy to manage within a system that run strictly by lay down procedures. But in real life, where conflicts between personal principles and system procedures are normal, special grace is required in order to prevent complication. Fortunately, God's sovereign will accommodates the world's system procedures, without damages to its righteous demands. However, a self-willed person will be insensitive to the leading of the Spirit. It implies that, only a comprehensive coverage under the leading of the Spirit encourages an uncomplicated lifestyle.

"And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain." (2 Peter 1:18 NKJV) If the same voice that the disciples heard speaks honour and glory about the Lord Jesus Christ on the account of its procession from heaven, every opportunity with the word of God, given to any mortal, is meant to be sacred. On the other hand, the multitude of other voices in every man's daily activities breed nothing less than fear, confusion, and insecurity. Although the privilege of being with the Lord on the holy mountain was limited, the moment makes a difference throughout the rest of the life and ministry of Apostle Peter. Therefore, the only antidote against a scary day is a sacred voice from the Lord, ahead of the day's activities.

"Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease." (2 Peter 1:15 NKJV) A careful consideration of personal plight in every engagement of life can either be a source of encouragement or discouragement. As babe in the kingdom of God, Apostle Peter had struggled with disciple-ship on the account of personal plight. However, the end of his race reveals a selfless saint of God, who was more concerned about successful succession of the life of righteousness in all of believers' relationships. Even in death, a selfless saint finds fulfillment in the succession of christian virtue than in the procession into carnal victory.

"For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:8 NKJV) The foundation of fruitfulness in the service of the kingdom of God is laid on consistent faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The redeemed soul will do well, as long as the soul is not exposed to harsh and hostile environment, including hatred, discrimination, disrespect, denials, etc. Unfortunately, real world requires additional layer of virtue, self-control, love, perseverance, godliness, and brotherly kindness, above the saving faith for kingdom fruitfulness. Oftentimes, fruitful seed is ignored when the redeemed soul is exposed to harsh and hostile environment.

"...by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:4 NKJV) It is no longer news that the beautiful and good nature of God in man has been corrupted with sin and unrighteousness. Man inherited the nature of sin after the fall in the garden of Eden. However, the abundant grace of God and the abiding peace from the Lord sustain the redeemed soul through the divine power of the Most High. Unfortunately, many Converts are tempted to be satisfied with only the first promise of salvation. Whereas, there are exceeding great and precious promises at the throne of grace. In fact, it is impossible to keep the first promise of salvation without accepting the comprehensive promise of divine nature. Total transformation grants not only salvation from sin; it guarantees protection from the corruption and lust in the world.

"By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand." (1 Peter 5:12 NKJV) Prosperity of the body includes the provision and promotion in material supplies that lead to improvement in the standard of living. While this testimony reflects the will of God for all His people, it does not guarantee the security and peace for the soul. Moreover, carnal testimony promotes envy and does not even edify anyone, except the testifier, who possibly derives gratification therefrom. Unlike carnal testimony, Silvanus' testimony does not need self-declaration. Apostle Peter and all the saints could clearly acknowledge the grace of God that brought salvation, faithfulness, and peace to him. True testimony is both self-evident and guarantee the security and peace of the body and soul.