December 16
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“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2, NIV)

Peter begins his second letter to the exiled Christians with a message that serves both as a reminder and a blessing: The knowledge of the Father and the Son brings grace and peace in abundance.

It serves as a blessing, because everyone wants peace.

It serves as a reminder because in our materialistic society we may soon forget that money cannot purchase peace; in our celebrity-focused culture we may soon forget that fame cannot deliver peace; and in our competitive, “take no prisoners” approach to every challenge we may soon forget that God personally opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Indeed, knowledge of the Father and the Son assures grace in our time of need; and peace in every circumstance.  – Luther

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December 15
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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

There was anxiety in Peter’s time. War, disease, violence, political maneuvering, and the challenges of making a living created “Maalox moments” for everyone.

We also live in anxious times.

Then, as now, God invites you to “cast” (e. g. throw, discard, pitch) your anxieties on Him. He does not desire that you be anxious — even for a moment.

Why? Because He cares for you.  – Luther

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December 13
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“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8, NIV)

Whether in the human family into which we were born, or the spiritual family of God into which we both chose and were chosen; success depends on: (4) Showing compassion.

Nothing dries-up the wells of compassion faster than the notion that a person in trouble — or a troubled person, for that matter — deserves whatever it is that’s got them by the throat. The fact of the matter is that at one time or another, we’ve all been in a tough spot; and we’ve greatly appreciated it when someone — anyone — has been moved to give us a hand-up, or a hand-out.

Many of us are only a few bad decisions from poverty. All of us are only a heartbeat away from death. An honest look at our common, fragile condition may yet open again the wells of compassion.  – Luther

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