It’s Week Four of Virtual VBS for GrownUp Girls® 2017 — we’re half way through our study! Love reading all the great insights you’ve shared…
This week’s assignment: Read the book of 2 Peter straight through in still another translation, and then re-read 2 Peter 2:12-22.
Memory Verse: 2 Peter 1:6.
Remember as you read, underline key words and phrases, and ask the 5 Ws and an H (who, what, when…). Look up references you spot (like the story of Balaam in the OT — or other NT verses that talk about being slaves / enslaved as in 2 Peter 2:19). Imagine trying to explain the significance of these verses to someone totally unfamiliar with Scripture — what do they mean? Why is this important? How does it apply to our lives today?
You may want to record your thoughts in a notebook or journal — or share them below.
Reflection Questions:
1) What words describe the deceivers and the deceived in 2 Peter 2:1-22? Look for specific adjectives and nouns in Scripture, but also come up with your own words to describe their actions and attitudes. What do we NOT want to be?
Contrast this with Peter’s description of true believers in 2 Peter 1 — what DO we want to be?
(If you’re answering these questions in a journal, make a chart with two columns to compare / contrast.)
2) What other thoughts, questions, or insights have come to you as a result of your study this week? What is God speaking to you through this passage?
Thursday Thoughts (mini post):
Hope you all had a lovely holiday! If you’ve fallen behind in our study, no worries! Just pick up where we are, 2 Peter 2:12-22. In the meantime I have a question for you:
Is a donkey trying to talk to you today?
Our reading this week in 2 Peter reminds us of the story of Balaam in Numbers 22… Balaam was a prophet who set out on a mission that wasn’t of God – so God sent an angel with a sword to block the way. Balaam was oblivious to the angel. He couldn’t see the danger before him, but his donkey could. That poor little animal ran every which way in a desperate attempt to avoid the carrying his master into harm’s way – only to be beaten again and again. Finally God loosened the donkey’s tongue, and in one of the most striking miracles of the Bible, the donkey let loose on Balaam!
“What have I ever done to deserve this? Can’t you see…?”
My good friend Virelle Kidder has written a book called “Donkeys Still Talk.” She points out that many of us find ourselves blocked or hindered in our plans by difficult people and trying circumstances. One problem after another. We just can’t seem to move ahead. These things keep getting in the way!
But Virelle suggests these “obstacles” –
annoying as they seem – might just have been put there by God Himself. He may have something really important that He wants to say to us. But we’re so intent on our path, so focused on our project or mission. This is the only way He can get our attention, get us to stop dead in our tracks – and really listen!
It may be that we’ve missed something… that we’re headed in the wrong direction… that we’re moving too soon …or too fast. It may be that we need to wait for information or help or answers to prayer that are even now on the way.
So let me (gently) ask you again: Is a donkey trying to talk to you today?
Don’t ignore the interruption, don’t resent the complication or the delay. Stop right where you are. Ask God to open your eyes … and your ears… and your heart… to whatever He might want to say!
