12. With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
In the Jules Verne novel "The Mysterious Island”, he tells of five men who escaped a Civil War prison camp by hijacking a hot-air balloon. As they rise into the air, they realize the wind is carrying them over the ocean. As the hours pass the surface of the ocean draws closer, the men decide they must throw overboard some of the weight, for they had no way to heat the air in the balloon. Shoes overcoats, and weapons and reluctantly discarded. The balloon gradually rises, but only temporarily. Soon they find themselves dangerously close to the waves so they toss over their food.
One man showed how they can tie the ropes that hold the basket and sit on those ropes so they cut away the basket and sever the very thing they had been standing on, it drops to the oceans, and once again the balloon rises.
Not a moment too soon, they spot land. Eager to stand on ground they jump into the water and swim to the island. They live, spared because they were able to discern the difference between what really was needed and what was not. The necessities they once thought they couldn't live without were the very weights that almost cost them their lives. Heb. 12:1 "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."
We come now to the conclusion of the book of 1 Peter. I am reminded that Peter was giving them the basics. What is it you really need in this world, after all is said and done, and what is important to cast aside and indeed is a barrier between us and God?
While Peter was in Rome about 65 AD, word came to Him that many of the Christians were suffering for their faith; they were rejected by their unsaved families, and forced to leave their homes. Peter was moved by God to write a letter of encouragement.
knew much about trials and suffering. He wanted them to take comfort in their salvation, in knowing the saving and sustaining grace of God. He confirmed the hope of glory, highlighting the perspective that suffering would only be temporary. The persecuted could continue in the strength that God gives them for the day, for it would be worth it all when they see Jesus.
couple of verses highlight relationships that will be the subject of our thought as we conclude Peter’s letter.
Application: Stand fast in the true Grace of God.
Prayer: Lord, give me a spirit of discernment to cast off everything that hinds my walk with You.
