"With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it." (1 Peter 5:12, NIV)
As I read our text this morning, it was as though I could see down through the corridors of time, from the First Century, through the Middle Ages, the "Renaissance," the discovery of the Americas, right to this very hour. The old Apostle's Words have been ringing in the Church throughout the centuries, "Stand fast in it."
Are you today? Notice the humility of the "keys-bearer." He writes, "With the help of Silas...," then, "....testifying that this is the true grace of God." We all know Peter's stature throughout Church History, but here he is writing as one of us, not as some leader full of himself, superior, knows more than anyone, expects others to serve him, but rather as, "a fellow elder..., as a faithful brother, "and, "testifying." The modern Church has so much to learn from Peter. Instead of seeing him as a bungling, impulsive fisherman, we should see what Jesus saw in him.
The conclusion of Peter's Epistle to the Church?--- "....the true grace of God. Stand fast in it." What the Bible calls, "....the grace of God," was and is continually, as 2 Corinthians says, "....displayed in the face of Christ." Some of Peter's final words to you and me are a glorious encouragement, and, can I say it?-- a command, "Stand fast in it", even our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Peter. Amen.
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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
