Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
For they [false teachers] mouth empty, boastful words …
Summary: People do not like to appear stupid. To avoid this, rather than admit that we do not know, we sometimes make up answers. Guesses that move us closer to the truth can be helpful. People who present their guesses as truth are not being helpful.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:18a — Special Knowledge”
But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
Summary: The story of Balaam’s donkey is an unusual reminder of things both seen and unseen.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:16 — Donkey Talk”
They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.
Summary: Our ability to see blots and blemishes is a reflection of God’s work in our lives.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:13c — Paint Job”
They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.
Summary: God’s nature is such that He is not capable of desiring revenge. Instead, we condemn ourselves if we reject His Son and His Word.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:13a — Payback is Hell”
…if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials …
Summary: “Why do people suffer?” is a question that has plagued humanity since the first campfire. The next question is, “Will God save me?” Somewhere in here is a question about godliness.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:9a — Good versus Godly”
… who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—
Summary: How we judge others tells others about the standards we judge by.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:7b-8 — Right and Wrong”
… if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
Summary: Is God mean? Are his judgments unfair? Does the fact that God is spirit have any impact on what the Bible tells us?
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:6 — Example 3, Part 4: Denouement”
… if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
Summary: The example of Sodom and Gomorrah should be studied by all. It details a real-life example of why we should all want to avoid falling under God’s judgment.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:6 — Example 3, Part 3: Judgment”
… if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
Summary: In between judgment and execution, there is another step. This story shows us how much attention God pays to the details.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:6 — Example 3, Part 2: God’s Mercy”
… if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
Summary: Peter reveals how tolerant God is by reminding us of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:6 — Example 3 Part 1: Negotiations”