Chaplain Daily Touchpoint #361: Wisdom from the Apostle Peter (Part 2)

Bottom line up front: By the Numbers Theology

Introduction: “By the numbers” is a military phrase that essentially means, “step-by-step instructions.” It’s the method of proper sequencing applied to a task. If you want to break apart your weapon, there’s a protocol for that. Do it “by the numbers” and you’re golden. Go rogue, and you’ll end up in Malfunction Junction. When you want to reassemble a weapon after cleaning it, do it “by the numbers,” and you’ll be good to go for your Functions Check. Ignore the protocol at your own peril. That’s how folks get hurt. 

Segue: “By the numbers” sometimes can be even uglier when it comes to spiritual matters. Things can get so sin-saturated, so morally corrupt, so self-centered instead of God-centered, that we sinners can arrive at Malfunction Junction quickly and make shipwreck of our faith if and when the proper protocol is ignored. 

This is why Peter writes to believers scattered across present-day Turkey in his first letter–namely, to tell them that suffering comes to them because wicked rulers are in place, and yet God has them (believers) placed where they are to bear true faith and allegiance to the truth.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Pt 1:6-9). 

Encouragement: I don’t know where you are today spiritually. Perhaps you’re in a place where you see evil winning–at least temporarily. Perhaps you see truth, goodness, and beauty being eclipsed. Perhaps you’re witnessing morally rotten people dupe undiscerning sheeple. Be of good courage. God is not surprised. We should not be either. 

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed (1 Pt 4:12-13). 

Fight the trials by the numbers. Trust the Lord. Keep short accounts with God, knowing that God sees all, and works even the evils of men for the ultimate good of His people and the sake of His name.