Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
The Christian’s Call and Election
3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. 8 For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For anyone who lacks these things is short-sighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. 11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.
12 Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, 14 since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
Reflect
“How many people got elected,” one person asked. “I think everyone got elected,” another person answered. “Everyone,” the first one asked, slightly stunned. “Yep, everyone,” the second person responded. “So, where is everyone at? I mean I see quite a few, but it is definitely not everyone,” the first person asked while looking around. The second one responded, “Well I have heard some people just didn’t feel they needed the help. Others thought it was just too difficult for them to be a part of right now. Some had problems trusting and committing to something that is such a big life change.” The first person thought for a moment and said, “And the judgement is pretty tough also. When several people I know found out that I was accepting the call, they were not pleased with me. They stated that I would change, and that I would make it difficult for them to be around me. They pressured me pretty hard.” “I know, if it hadn’t been for the support and help of the one who called us and those that had also accepted the call, I don’t think I could have made it,” the second one responded. “And that man Jesus, may goodness, what a help,” the first person answered. “I know, whoever sent him knew what they were doing,” the second person said in affirmation. “I say we live like we are elected. What do you think,” the first one asked? “Yes, because we have been,” the second person said with confidence.
Pray
God, you decided to offer salvation to everyone. For that grace and love, we want to say thank you today. Help us to live as the elect. Help us to share the good news of your salvation, so that everyone might know that through faith life can change, help can be found. Let us share that you have elected that everyone can by faith find salvation and life in relationship with you.
