WATCHWORD:
19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines[a] in your hearts.20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,[b] 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:19-21
Meditation:
Paul and Peter
I think we’re most familiar with the role that Paul played in the spread of Christianity among the Gentiles. That was the mission that Jesus the Christ gave to Paul and that’s the one that he was dedicated to, as reflected in all of his epistles. While we may not see the same role in Peter, yet, in the history of Christianity, he was instrumental in the development of the Church, even to the point of becoming the first Pope of the Catholic Church.
But Paul, planter of churches, encourager of the early church leaders, could not help but play the role of mentor, even to Peter, an original apostle. Read again the passage above and note the instructional tone, “You must pay close attention…” and “Above all, you must realize…” I wonder how Peter took to such instruction from one that had persecuted the early followers. And yet, this was an exchange between those who had witnessed and experienced and presence of Christ at the start, and realized the power of that witness in the spread of the Gospel message. They were reminding one another of the importance of authentic representation. Paul’s letters were distributed throughout the churches of Christianity and contributed to the growth of the Faith.
Peter, on the other hand, was busy strengthening fledgling churches in the towns of Judah, among Jewish and Gentile populations, even before Paul’s first mission journey. There are two reasons why Peter is important for understanding the development of Christianity: First, he is treated as a model for Christians to follow. Second, the gospels describe Jesus as calling Peter his “rock” upon which the future church would be built. After his martyrdom in Rome, traditions developed which led to the belief that the most important Christian church organization was located in Rome. This is why popes today are regarded as the successors of Peter, the first leader of the Roman church.
Peter and Paul, twin pillars of our faith.
Bulletin Board:
Tomorrow is the First Sunday of the Blessed season of Advent. We welcome the Incarnate God, the Blessed Savior in the form of Jesus the Christ. Amen, and amen.
I just have to share this — The story is told of a lady who was rather old-fashioned, always quite delicate and elegant, especially in her language. She and her husband were planning a week’s vacation in Florida, so she wrote to a particular campground asking for a reservation.
She wanted to make sure the campground was fully equipped, but didn’t quite know how to ask about the toilet facilities. She just couldn’t bring herself to write the word “toilet” in her letter. After much deliberation, she finally came up with the old-fashioned term BATHROOM COMMODE. But when she wrote that down, she still thought she was being too forward. So, she started all over again and rewrote the entire letter referring to the bathroom commode merely as the BC. “Does the campground have its own BC?” is what she actually wrote.
Well, the campground owner wasn’t old-fashioned at all, and when he got the letter, he just couldn’t figure out what the woman was talking about. That BC business really stumped him. He showed the letter to several campers, but they couldn’t imagine what the lady meant either. So, the owner, finally concluded that the lady must be asking about the local Baptist Church, so he wrote:
Dear Madam: I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take pleasure in informing you that a BC is located nine miles north of the campground and is capable of seating 250 people at one time. I admit it is quite a distance away, if you are in the habit of going regularly, but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great number of people take their lunches along and make a day of it. They usually arrive early and stay late. It is such a beautiful facility and the acoustics are marvelous. Even the normal delivery sounds can be heard.
The last time my wife and I went was six years ago, and it was so crowded we had to stand up the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that right now a supper is planned to raise money to buy more seats. They are going to hold it in the basement of the BC.
I would like to say it pains me very much not to be able to go more regularly, but it surely is no lack of desire on my part. As we grow old, it seems to be more of an effort, particularly in cold weather.
If you do decide to come down to our campground, perhaps I could go with you the first time you go, sit with you, and introduce you to all the other folks. Remember, this is a friendly community.
Sincerely, Campground Owner
Closing Prayer:
Advent God, we journey with you, to Bethlehem’s stable and a new-born King, ears attuned to the song of angels, eyes alert for Bethlehem’s star. Forgive us if on our journey if we are distracted by the tempting offers of this world. Keep our hearts aflame with the hope of Christmas, and the promise of a Savior. Amen.
