2 PETER 2

 TEXT TO REFLECT

…and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked  (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard);  then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials,[ and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 

2 PETER 2:7-9

REFLECT

A friend lamented, “How I wish I could be taken out of this toxic environment at work. It’s hard to be a Christian in this place. One moment I am drawn to the immoral materialistic lifestyle of those around me, the next moment, I am bitter and judgmental against them for the things that they do and value. It is tormenting because as much as I hate what they do, being immersed in this sludge day in and day out, I can’t help but become like “one of the guys”. On the other hand, as I watch how hard-hearted my colleagues are, not caring how they hurt others, I become resentful of them and start to hate them. And it seems impossible to love my colleagues but hate their deeds. I find myself hating my colleagues yet becoming like them in my deeds.”

Over the years, I have found this lament to resonate with many Christians. We find ourselves surrounded by wicked persons, whom we initially distance ourselves from. And then to our consternation, we find ourselves becoming like them, because their values have rubbed off on us. It is like the Christian version of Stockholm syndrome – the captive loving and adopting the ways of the captor. Some of us take the cynical approach, ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’ Why stand out and suffer, when you can’t change the environment?

The Apostle Peter addressed a persecuted church that was existing in a morally bankrupt society. There were few boundaries to the immorality and godlessness in that society. But what was worse was that the Christians could not even live quiet lives without being harassed. They faced persecution despite, or perhaps, for, their righteous living. They must have felt the despair of continuing to live righteous lives. Why bother, if it only brings pain and persecution? IS there any gain in standing out? Should we not rather be like the rest and live wickedly as well?

Peter reminded the Christians of two truths. The first is that God vindicates the righteous and will punish the wicked. There will be a day of reckoning and the unrighteousness will not sin with impunity. So the righteous life of the believer will not be in vain. The second truth is that day by day, God will rescue the righteous. God’s favour is not seen merely at the end of time; rather, his deliverance can be experienced every moment when the believer turns to God for rescue. 

RELATE

Over the years, I have discovered that “God is our refuge, and an ever present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). We may be inundated by toxic values and unrighteous demands. At such times, when we take a moment to be still before God and to call to Him for help, we discover that God is present and will work miraculously to rescue us. And I discover this reality each time I call on Him to help. It is challenging; but I do not need to succumb either to the wicked ways of those around me, nor to bitterly resent those who try to impose their values on me. I discover that amidst the sin that swirls around me, I am in a safe place because God is with me.

REST

A mighty Fortress is our God,

A Bulwark never failing;

Our Helper He amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe

Doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great,

And, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

Our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side,

The Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth His Name,

From age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed

His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim,

We tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure,

For lo! his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

No thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours

Through Him who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go,

This mortal life also;

The body they may kill:

God’s truth abideth still,

His Kingdom is forever.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by Martin Luther 15th Century

Chiu Ming Li