“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Scripture reading: Psalm 19:1-14
Whenever we consider our guilt and the magnitude of God’s grace, we cannot help but be filled with gratitude. But that gratitude must not stagnate. Our gratitude cannot rest on a plateau; rather as we grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord, our gratitude must also grow. Scripture repeatedly calls us to grow spiritually. We see that in the last verse of Peter’s second letter. David also wrote eloquently about the blessings of spiritual growth through the study of God’s Word.
In Psalm 19, David paints a vivid picture of God’s glory and power, both in creation and His Word. Verses 7 to 9 describe the perfection of God’s Word, how His testimonies are sure and His precepts are right, of how His commandments are pure and His judgments righteous. And then he points out that they are to be desired more than gold; they are sweeter than honey. He points out that through the faithful study of God’s Word, we are both warned and rewarded.
David wrote more than 1000 years before Peter, but both have the same message. Both point out the importance of growing in grace and knowledge of God’s Word. By doing so we will see our guilt more clearly, God’s grace more magnificently, and our gratitude will become deeper and richer as we look forward to an eternity in the presence of our gracious God!
May we never rest on a spiritual plateau, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Suggestions for prayer
Ask forgiveness for a lethargic attitude toward spiritual growth. Pray Psalm 19 back to the Lord, thanking Him for His creation which reveals His glory and His Word which reveals Christ, “in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3)
Pastor Ted Gray is a retired minister in the United Reformed Church of North America. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
