Reading: In baseball, a leadoff man can turn a good lineup into a great lineup. He provides the extra spark needed to jolt an offense to success from the very beginning of the game. Peter would’ve been a great leadoff man — and proves that in the way he begins 2 Peter. He is the man of whom Christ said, “Upon this rock (Peter) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades (hell) will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). Peter was the leadoff man in that sense – leading the next part of the story following the ascension of Jesus into heaven.

As we mentioned in the introduction, this letter from God through Peter serves as a blueprint for guidance and growth in a walk with Christ. Peter doesn’t “beat around the bush” in any of his teachings to the exiles scattered abroad that “have received a faith as precious as ours”. He is living actively for Christ as an example – taking what Jesus taught him on earth and applying it to his life, and then compelling new followers to do it too. As Jesus said, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” (Mark 10:45) Paul shares the same heart of Christ. He says that he is a “servant” and apostle of Jesus Christ. Servant — in it’s literal translation the way Peter wrote it — means “bond-slave”. A bond-slave was someone without any ownership rights; someone who is indebted to another. Peter gave himself wholly to the will and way of Christ in the exact way he wrote it. His urge behind his writing, was that the church at large would refine their faith into this type of devoted servanthood. He has lived a life of intimacy with Christ and deeply desired that the church would experience the same. Yes, his life was littered with mistakes — as we all experience from time to time — but he knew that the greatest joy this world could ever offer was to serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

The refinement of our faith begins with the identification with Christ and acknowledgement of his saving power. Peter points it out in verse one — “those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours.” The foundation to any successful leadoff man is recognition. Ball versus strike, hittable pitch versus non hittable pitch, patience versus aggression. The ability to recognize the most successful strategy to get on base at the beginning of a ball game is crucial in this spot in the lineup. 

We, as believers, must recognize the preciousness of the faith we have received. The Book of Matthew speaks to the preciousness of our faith. Matthew says in chapter 13, having Jesus is like “a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy sold everything he had and bought that field” (13:44). Again he says our faith is “like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (13:45). This is not because of our ability, understanding, or deeds that we have this faith — but because of the character of the Father. As Romans 6:23 says, our wages would lead to death! Yet, the gift of God, through his righteousness is eternal life! 

Wherever you are at today, take time to recognize that our faith, and the gift of Christ, is valuable and precious. Like Paul, we can take on the identity of a servant to the Lord. We are accepted to meaningful work on his team and on his lineup card. When we come into knowledge of this faith, feel the hope of the gospel, and experience his great love, that’s where we want to be. 

Peter points out that there is grace and peace through knowing Christ our Lord. Worry can take on a lot of different forms in our day to day lives. It robs us from experiencing the full measure of the blessing of knowing Christ. In Luke 12, Jesus tells us that even the lilies grow, though they do not labor or spin. He mentions ravens — though they do not reap, nor sow — are fed. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). God desires to lavish us with blessing, grace, and peace in our lives — yet all these things come through knowing his character.

Through the letter, Peter is about to take us into a deep dive on those two concepts in vitalizing our faith — recognizing the goodness of the gift and coming to know the character of Christ. If you ask us, he hits a leadoff homer to begin 2 Peter!

Reflection: Read Ezekiel 34:11-16. Write down the ways you learn about God’s character through this passage.

Prayer Prompt: Father — you are so precious! Thank you for who you are and thank you for your Son, who you sent on our behalf. Thank you for the gift that Christ is and the blessing that it is to know you. Lord, continue to grow my faith and help my unbelief. Give me the desire to learn more about you through your Word and teach me to reflect on all the ways you continue to bless my life. Soften my heart as I continue to learn more about you.