II Peter 1:3-4: "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Today is known by many as "April fool's day!" It has been said that this is the only designated holiday for atheists, as the Psalmist writes on two occasions, Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God!'" But it is not only atheists who foolishly reject the one true God, our Creator. The religions of the world have imagined their own "gods" and billions follow them with great passion and commitment. Many who claim to be Christians use "religion" as a "get-out-of-jail-free" card, imagining they can avoid the coming judgment of God when Jesus returns by giving Him mere lip-service. They are not the first to attempt such a thing. Isaiah wrote the word of the Lord in his day, "Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden" (Isaiah 29:13-14).
As we approach the celebration of Jesus' resurrection following His suffering and death on the cross, many will observe a "day," but will display no devotion to Jesus Christ or to His Body, the Church. The Gospel remains unknown by many because they do not know the depth of their sin or the judgment they deserve from the Holy God. Instead, they imagine that "God loves everyone" and all is well. Their celebrations are a mockery of the cross!
Peter wrote his second letter "to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 1:1). He assured these of God's power at work within them and of the hope that was theirs as they lived, believing in the grace of God in Christ, trusting their sins were forgiven, covered by His blood, and who continued to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, seeking to produce the "fruit of righteousness" in their lives. Peter wrote, "Therefore, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 1:10-11).
The corruption of the world around us is obvious. As we celebrate Palm Sunday tomorrow, God's Word points us to another moment, even more powerful, because as Jesus was praised as a "King" when He entered Jerusalem, the people had no idea who He really was. When He returns, there will be no question! EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. But for most it will be too late. They will meet Him as Judge rather than Savior and Lord.
Do you know Jesus Christ today? Have you escaped the corruption that is in the world today because of sinful desires? Turn your heart and mind toward Jesus and know that new life is God's gift! As we see new life spring up around us in the coming weeks, until Jesus returns there is time to discover this new life as the Spirit of God works through His Word to convict people of sin and of the perfect righteousness needed to stand before God ... a righteousness that can be received only by faith in Jesus.
THIS is the good news we proclaim every day! May God give you ears to hear!! And for those who know Jesus as Savior and Lord, seek Him, love Him, worship Him and give thanks to the Father for His grace to YOU!!
