In today’s verse, we see how important the context of the verse is for understanding its meaning. If we take verse 11 just by its face value, it would seem that it is expected of us to work hard to gain a place in heaven. This leads to some uncomfortable questions. How much must I perform to be welcome in the eternal kingdom of Jesus? When have I done enough to deserve a seat at his table? Where is the cut-off point, if I missed it by just not doing enough?

 

When we read this verse in the context of the whole paragraph, it brings so much hope. Peter said in 2 Peter 1:2 that God was working in our lives, long before we knew him or could do anything for him. He enabled us to get to know him. Our faith is a precious gift from God’s hands and the foundation of that faith is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Because we know him, there is grace and peace bestowed upon us in abundance. Jesus is the key to the kingdom of God.

 

In our series, we have seen that faith is a gift of God. He gave us everything we need to live a godly life (2 Peter1:3). Whilst being a gift, we also received the responsibility to grow in our faith. To our faith, we should add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love. If these fruits are growing in our lives, it indicates that we are on the right path with God. It bears witness that we are part of God’s kingdom on earth, in this space where Christ is served as king. The message of hope is that when we walk a path of faith with Christ, we have an eternal expectation of hope. At the end of our earthly journey, there will be a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of God. And this fills us with hope when we know our future is secure in Christ, because he lives! When we walk by faith with Jesus, we have nothing to fear for our eternal destiny; in his hands, we are always secure.

 

For this reason, Peter exhorts us in today’s verse to persevere in our journey of faith. Trust in Christ. Today may be difficult, but our future in Christ is filled with hope and expectation.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for guiding me every day on my journey of faith. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your eternal kingdom, even today. Thank you for allowing me to serve you as my King. I am also grateful that my future is secure in you, that I have nothing to fear, for you are with me. Amen.