Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease [exodus].
~ 2 Peter 1:15 (NKJV)
If there's any bigger invitation for ADD than opening a dictionary, it's gotta be opening my Bible and Bible dictionary. (That's especially easy if I use e-Sword, a phenomenal and free download, which requires I simply scroll across words to view the original Hebrew and Greek and obtain a quick Strong's definition.)
So as I was "Feeding Wanderlust" the other day, I stumbled upon the Greek word exodos, which Peter uses to speak of his approaching death (above). Jesus, Moses and Elijah used the same word in the discussion of Jesus' death back at His transfiguration (Luke 9:30-31), so Peter gets a little ADD himself and visits that incident as he weaves a parting message.
His brief (around 1500 words) epistle is a powerful apologetic for the reliability of God's Word, a dire warning against falling victim to false teachers, and a surprisingly contemporary description of end times.
But I digress. Back to the exodus each of us faces.
I dare not attempt to compose a more eloquent message than the commentary of Albert Barnes (1798–1870) concerning Peter's words. I present it here for your pleasure and contemplation.
"After my decease" – my "exodus," my journey out; my departure; my exit from life. This is not the usual word to denote death, but is rather a word denoting that he was going on a journey out of this world. He did not expect to cease to be, but he expected to go on his travels to a distant abode. This idea runs through all this beautiful description of the feelings of Peter as he contemplated death. Hence he speaks of taking down the "tabernacle" or "tent," the temporary abode of the soul, that his spirit might be removed to another place (2 Peter 1:13); and, hence, he speaks of an “exodus” from the present life - a journey to another world. This is the true notion of death; and if so, two things follow from it:
(1) we should make preparation for it, as we do for a journey, and the more in proportion to the distance that we are to travel, and the time that we are to be absent; and,
(2) when the preparation is made, we should not be unwilling to enter on the journey, as we are not now when we are prepared to leave our homes to visit some remote part of our own country, or a distant land …
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Copyright 2012, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Anne, thank you for a thoughtful post. It's easy to get so caught up in this world that we forget the next. Contemplating our death...
ReplyDeleteThe Bible says that we are merely travelers in this world. The apostles and early believers within the first generation after Jesus' death acted as if what happened TO them in this world was virtually irrelevant -- all that mattered was proclaiming the gospel. Believers throughout the centuries since then also have done this, although the fire is not always as apparent.
I believe God cloaks himself for humans only in this life, so that each may freely choose (or not) to follow. (Leaving out of course theological discussion of predestination etc.). Once He is visible, after death, choice will no longer exist.
Amy, the context I have for this life(personally) is the womb. God is invisible, yes, yet His heartbeat and presence surround us and are completely tangible to us. We are able to discern His voice and know His love. We are being formed into only a microcosm of all we shall be. Death is a sometimes difficult gateway into the next realm. For some, life ends upon their exit. For us who are drawing life from Christ now, true life—infinitely richer!—awaits.
DeleteSo good to hear from you. I owe you an email.
Such a fantastic post.
ReplyDeleteYou are just too much, Denise. Thank you for the love and faithfulness.
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