Become Participants in the Divine Nature

This meditation is based on a passage for December 13, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 2 Peter 1:1-11

Reflection and Question: When this sermon was written, it was the custom to claim the authorship of a prominent person in order to give a statement greater authority. So today, while scholars agree that Peter did not write this sermon, whoever did write it sets forth a compelling vision of a faithful life. Central is the sequence of virtues that build upon each other: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and then love. Living these is to participate in the divine nature. The LGBT Christians that I know shine with these qualities, which is a reason I work for their full inclusion into the church. Where do you see these strengths active in your life?

Prayer: Great God, You have blessed us with knowledge of You through Jesus, our Savior and Lord. We trust Jesus’ promises of life and godliness. We yearn to be effective and fruitful as we confirm Your call and election of us to Your service. Amen.