Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:1-2).

Today, we begin a journey through 2 Peter, in part, because someone recently asked a question about 1:5. Wilderness Wanderings seems like a good venue to explore the answer. However, after the opening paragraph this letter gets into some wild and confusing content. That is another good reason to spend some time here. So, let’s buckle in.

Peter takes his cues from Jesus. In our sermon on the Mount preaching series, we have been emphasizing that before Jesus lays down any kingdom commands, he offers his kingdom blessings. He equips before he calls. Peter does the same here. Beginning in verse 5, he calls on Christians to be actively involved in developing their faith. But before that, he rolls out the gifts of God which enable Christian maturation.

The first gift is faith. Pay attention to how faith is acquired: it is received. We emphasize ‘accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour’; ‘committing ourselves to God’; ‘ensuring that Christians have the true teachings.’ All these things have a place within the Christian community. They are not wrong. But in the end, faith is a gift of God. Often, despite our objections we discover that we do actually believe.

This is good news for all of us who struggle with doubt and with a lack of sanctification. In Hebrews 12, we are instructed to fix “our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (2). Peter will challenge us to set our shoulders to the task of Christian growth, but only after reminding us that Jesus shoulders the bulk of the work. So have confidence.

Secondly, Jesus said that our Heavenly Father is eager to give his Spirit to his children (Luke 11:13). Behind that declaration are these words, “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams” (Isaiah 44:3-4).

Peter is drawing on this imagery when he writes, ‘Grace and peace be your in abundance’. Our God is not stingy with his gifts. He does not have limited resources. He does not balance his budget. He has unlimited resources and is eager to give them away. Jesus is busy building a community that swims in his grace, his underserving favour and mercy. “While we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This is love: that God forgives before we ask for it. As imitators of God, we must learn the eagerness to forgive.

The Bible opens with a garden of abundance sparkling with harmony between God, the humans, and the rest of God’s creation. There was no abuse, no desire for power. Everything could flourish as God intended. God gives the gifts for his new community in Christ to move towards such wonderful shalom.

But we must know God. How he has revealed himself in scripture, coupled with the personal experience his grace, of his presence in the darkness, of his provision in our need. This is knowledge that shapes our love for him, leads us to worship, to stand silent before the mystery of his love. Such knowledge is not hidden. It is here. As we grow in this knowledge grace and peace abounds in his community.

So, as you journey on:

Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Amen! (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18).