“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and goodness” (v3).
Do you know somebody who always rocks it when it comes to gift giving? My daughter-in-law Martha is a superstar when she gives presents. Whether it Christmas or birthdays, everyone stops to see what’s about to go down when you read the tag that says “from Martha.” She consistently gives a present that drops your jaw. It’s not only something you want, the gift is incredibly well researched. It’s not so much the cost or quality of what she gives, it’s that she knows EXACTLY what you like and delivers.
She’s good but she’s not God. You see, God is a giver. No, let me restate that. He is THE Giver. It’s just part of who He is. He gives and He gives and He gives and He gives. Everything we have is because of the overflowing goodness of His heart. He gives us life. He gives us food. He gives us His Son. He gives us His Spirit. Pete lets us know that God has done it again. He gives and He just keeps on giving. The apostle uses a verb here (Gr. doreomai) that emphasizing gift giving or the granting of a request. Jesus doesn’t simply toss us a few cheap goodies from the dollar store. He gives lavishly. Over the top. He’s a major league Giver. When it comes to sharing and giving, He’s a hall of famer. His grace is big time.
Peter describes the source of Jesus’ gift to us. It’s “His divine power.” And if you’re wondering just who the “His” is, that would be the resurrected Rabbi from Nazareth. Yup, Jesus. Second Person of the Godhead. There’s no greater energy generator in the universe than God Himself. Compared to God’s supernatural power, coal-fired power plants are Bic lighters. Nuke reactors are nine volt batteries. When the source of Jesus’ gift is straight out of His power, you might want to step back just a bit. Think about that for a moment. He’s plugged you and me into the most explosive and limitless force that ever has or will exist. Consider the power at your fingertips. It’s divine power. Supernatural power. We’re talking Jesus’ power. Superman had “powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men.” Forget that comic book stuff. That’s small potatoes compared to the divine power He’s handed His followers. My knees knock when I try to wrap my brain around that idea. See, I told you this is an awesome gift. I said He is a big time Giver.
So you might wonder why Christ has graciously given us such mind-blowing power. According to Pete, it’s for “life and godliness” (v3). Jesus didn't just save us (as if that isn’t enough!). He gives us life. And He gives us the power to live it. First of all, He presents us with “life” (Gr. zoe). Jesus not only is the Source of life but the Source of eternal life. Pete’s pal John wrote tons about Christ being the ultimate life source (Jn 3:36; 1Jn 5:12). Jesus Himself said that He’s the not only the sole Source of all life, but the life He gives is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. “I came that they may have life (Gr. zoe) and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). Abundant life. Overflowing life. Legit life. In other words, Christ gives us supernatural life that starts NOW! This isn’t some over-the-top benefits package for the sweet by and by. He gives us His eternal life in this life.
And if that’s not enough, Jesus gives us the power and strength to live that life right here and right now. Pete calls this “godliness.” This is the Greek word eusebeia, a compound word that literally means “good (eu-) worship (-sebeia).” It’s a particular manner of life characterized by reverence for God. A life marked by actions reflecting correct beliefs and attitudes toward God. The apostle drops this term four times in his second letter. Pete includes this in his list of qualities that deepen our relationship with Jesus (1:6-7). Later he tells us that our lives should be marked with “holiness and godliness (Gr. eusebeia)” as we wait in expectation for the Lord’s encore (3:11).
The leader of the Twelve wants his readers to know that worship is so much more than singing a few songs during a service. Is that worship? Absolutely. But only a sliver. It’s SO much more than that. Good worship is life focused on Jesus and His Gospel. Legit worship is life lived in gratitude and thankfulness for who Christ is and what He’s done. True worship is life that drips with the grace and love of Jesus. And our Savior has given us His supernatural power to do that right now.
Peter then goes on to tell us why this Christ has given such an incredible and powerful gift. It’s so that we can have “knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence” (v3). In other words, He does this so we can know Him better. So we can know Him more intimately. So we can deepen our relationship with Him. Check out the Message on this verse. “Everything that goes into life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God” (v3 The Message). He’s done all of this so that we could have a deep and personal friendship with Him. Do you want to really know Him and not just facts about Him? Dive into the deep end of the pool of life. Trust in Him to be the Source of everything you need to follow and obey Him.
Don’t think you have the power to do what He says? Well, you don’t. And neither do I. Not in our own strength. But He’s hooked us up to His power. His divine power. This is the same power that created the universe from nothing. I’m pretty sure that we can handle anything that life can throw at us today.
Finally, the former commercial fisherman writes that Jesus does all of this for “His own glory and excellence” (v3). We’re blessed beyond belief that what is over-the-top for our good is for His glory. Ultimately, everything God does is to make sure everyone knows He’s the most magnificent Being of all time. This isn’t some supernatural ego trip. It’s not wrong when He’s the only one who deserves the applause. For God to deny the spotlight would be wrong. Everything He does is for His glory. And that includes graciously giving us unlimited access to His power for life in His name right here and right now.
So, I’m sure you’ve gotten some great gifts in your life. And I figure you’ve given a few as well. But that’s minor league stuff when it comes to what Jesus has given and continues to give. Divine power. Life and godliness. A deep and intimate relationship with God. See, I told you He’s a hall of fame Giver. His grace is big time.
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