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2 Peter 2:12-17
The Apostle Peter compares this type of sinful people, being that of false teachers, to that of “brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed” (2 Peter 2:12). He says that they, “speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime” (2 Peter 2:12-13). Peter refers to these false teachers as “spots and blemishes” showing the need for cleansing. He says that these adulterous people cannot stop from the “carousing in their own deceptions” (2 Peter 2:13) and that they have “forsaken the right way and gone astray” (2 Peter 2:15). The Apostle Peter continues in verse 15 as he compares these false teachers to that of “Balaam the son of Beor” of which we can read about in the Old Testament book of Numbers 22-24, and even shows how far away from the truth theses people were by saying that Balaam was rebuked by a “dumb donkey” to restrain him from the “madness” in which he was caught up in. Peter states in 2 Peter 2:17, “These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”
This is an example of the destruction that is reserved for those who have “forsaken the right way and gone astray” (2 Peter 2:15).
Many people believe that the God of love could never allow anyone to spend eternity in the madness of hell; into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:49-50). But God, being the God of love, cannot force His love on us. He can only offer/present His love to us. It is up to us to make the choice to accept His love or to deny it. That is free will, we are not robots destined to an eternity in which we can do nothing about. Yes, God’s will be done, but within God’s will is the choices that we make – God is all knowing but will not force His love upon us as love is not forceful but giving. Love cannot be taken unless it is offered. The deception of forcing love or taking love is that of lust, and lust is of the devil and is included in his arsenal of lies. Don’t let Satan lie to you and make you think that God does not love you. He gave His only Son to die for you and pay the price for your sins so that you may be set free from them, but you have to accept the gift. Open your heart to Jesus today and accept His forgiveness if you have never done so. If you ask His forgiveness with a sincere heart, He will fill you with His Holy Spirit and cleanse your heart with a new life – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
Today’s lesson is a harsh one that tells of eternity in hell for all who have “forsaken the right way and gone astray” (2 Peter 2:15). Peter says in 2 Peter 2:17, “These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Dear LORD, if there is one today who is feeling the conviction of sin, please give them the strength to ask Jesus, “please forgive me of my sins and save me into a new life as I accept the love You have shown me in dying on the cross for my sins that I may be set free from them by believing in You. I believe in Your saving power Jesus; thank You for loving me so much as to die for me so that I may live forever in heaven with You, my Savior.” In Jesus name I pray, amen.