Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 160th Edition.
Dear New Israel, In today’s passage (2 Peter 1:12-15),
Peter hints at the purpose of writing this letter. From the language, he is alluding to a previous letter, which could be 1 Peter or another letter, no longer in existence. This letter is written as a
Reminder (vv. 12-13). This is not the first time Peter’s readers are hearing or reading this from him. He considers it his responsibility to keep reminding them of the things he taught them because as humans we have a tendency to ignore things or put them off. The matters in hand are not just life and death concerns – they impact on eternity. For this reason, Peter will not let them forget.
Revelation (v. 14). The apostle says that the Lord Jesus has shown him that he will be dying soon. This is what “put off my tent” means. The body is a tent for the spirit. When one dies, one casts aside one’s tent, so to speak. The apostle says that this has been shown to him by the Lord. He could be referring to his “Feed my sheep” encounter with Jesus on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where the Lord told Peter of the manner in which he would die (John 21:18-19). More likely, though, is the possibility that more recently, the Lord had revealed to him that he would be dying soon. When what the apostle is saying is taken in light of the fact that he is about to die, its importance is multiplied.
Reprise (v. 15). One of the words reprise is in music, where a piece that was played or sung earlier is repeated. Peter says that even when he is gone, he will ensure that the believers will be reminded of the things he is now telling them. This would suggest that the apostle has already trained a person, or persons, to take his ministry over. There is a lesson here for all of us and especially for those in leadership. When we die – and we will, the Lord’s work should not collapse for want of a substitute.
That is a failure on our part. Every one of us will die Let us prepare others to continue where we left.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.