Wisdom Gained
What knowledge do you want to pass on before you die?
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. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. - Second Letter of Peter 1:12-21
Peter is concerned.
He wonders if those who did not experience Jesus in person will continue to believe and pass along that belief to others.
Will his letters be enough?
I think back to my grandfather and my father. One taught by deeds and the other by words. What wisdom have I gained through them?
Grandpa was the peacemaker, the quiet listener, the musician who liked to make people smile. He was patient and meel, but I knew he was strong beneath it all.
Dad was different. His wisdom was knowledge. Study, learn all you can, and be able to discern for yourself what is true and what is false. Trust no one to guide you to the truth.
It's shuddering to think that the meaning of our lives will be summed up in a few words by those who remember us, and that is what Peter is struggling with.
He saw, heard, touched and knew Jesus first hand, and all who he shared that with have not had those experiences.
What will they take away? How could they possibly know Jesus the way Peter did?
I believe there is a way, a source of wisdom and truth, strength and power, in each of us, thanks to Jesus. He left us with the Holy Spirit of God.
Through the Spirit, we can know Jesus, and one another.
For me, The Holy Spirit is a link between my soul and the souls of all who believe.
If I can leave that knowledge to those I love who will live beyond my years, I give them a great gift.
My wisdom is not mine alone, but it is from God, and God will share it with those I love.
More to come...