2Pe 2:9-11 “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
What a wonderful testimony to the power of our Lord! He knows how to rescue (deliver) the devout believer from adversity (temptations). Nothing we will ever face can take Him by surprise. He will never have to “figure out” what to do. He knows how to rescue us. This statement also tells me that I have been (and will continue to be) in need of being rescued. A rescue involves having someone with power and ability to willingly and effectively deliver those who are too weak to defend themselves against the power (or adversity) that would hold them.
Jesus came into this world as both man and God, lived in this sinful world, died on the cross, and was raised from the dead, all for us. Yet, His love for us is such that He does not rest on His laurels, so to speak. He is still actively engaged in the lives of His people through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. He is still rescuing us every day from the manifold adversities that we find in our path. He is rescuing us because we still do not have sufficient strength on our own to see to our needs. It is only in Him that we find peace and safety!
In the same way that He knows how to rescue the godly, He knows how to prevent the escape (reserve) of the unjust unto the day of judgement for their chastening (punished). God is not mocked. The power of the Holy Spirit is such that He can bring condemnation to the unjust heart in the same manner that He brings comfort to the heart of the godly. This reservation is particularly held for those that walk after the flesh. Until we are brought into the knowledge of God, we only know that which is carnal (to walk after the flesh). It is only after we have come into knowledge of the righteousness of God that we can walk another path. His judgement (condemnation) is on those who know to do good and do it not. They desire (lust after) the appearance of power and prestige (uncleanness) among men. They make merchandise of the faithful. They seek after glory that should only be given to God, and they refuse to acknowledge His dominion in their lives.
These dare to vaunt their arrogance before Him in claiming they have the ability to fulfill the needs of His people instead of always pointing to Him. Their confidence is in themselves and their organizations, and they have no respect for the true glory and worship (dignities) of the Lord. Still, the confidence of the godly is to remain in Him and not be dismayed by these. The power of God’s true messengers is greater than the unclean lust of those that despise His government.
The true messengers do not go on a rant about the ungodly. True messengers do not speak evilly of those that despise the government of God. In other words, we don’t get into a war of words with those that speak evil of the true worship of God. True messengers speak about the good news of Jesus Christ. There is no need to bring railing accusations against the unjust before the Lord, because He already knows how to prevent their escaping His judgement. Our whole confidence should be firmly fixed on the fact that He knows…period.
May we never lose sight of the truth that we do not need to make Him acquainted with the needs of His people or the judgement of the unjust!
