Contemplation #184
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7
To speak about the “end” can bring different thoughts to our minds. Perhaps we think about a cataclysmic end to be feared, one involving destruction and judgment. If we think of end in this sense, then Peter is warning his readers about dangerous times. However, the end can also be understood as the completion, or fulfillment of history. We are drawing nearer toward the purpose to which everything is moving. With this understanding, the end is not something to be feared, but what we anticipate with great joy . . . the realization of the will of God on earth as it is in heaven. The glorious culmination is near, because the Christ has come and the Spirit has been poured out!
Contemplation #185
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7
Prayer is encouraged as a way of anticipating and embracing the end of all things. Perhaps this does not mean that we pray because everything is so evil, so corrupt, and destruction is at hand. Maybe we pray because the glorious conclusion of all God’s working is near, and this new reality we enter and join through prayer. Praying out of fear and praying out of eagerness are two entirely different prospects. It is clear that Peter’s readers were enduring suffering, and Peter points not dismally at impending doom, but hopefully toward the end or goal of all history. The nearness of this beautiful end was what would move his hearers to pray.
Contemplation #186
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7
Two inward disciplines are encouraged as important to the practice of prayer: clear mindedness and self-control. Our clearness of thought must be directed by God, so that our own foolish and misguided ideas are discarded and we focus on the ways of God. A correct understanding of life begins with the realization that there is an end to which our world is headed, and this end is in all being united in perfect communion with God. All which is not in harmony with God, ultimately will be removed, and all that is oriented toward God will be perfected. Being self-controlled is really allowing the self to be controlled, not by our will, but our willfulness submitted to the Spirit within. When we are focused and submitted, are prayers become the discipline that prepares us for God’s end.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7
To speak about the “end” can bring different thoughts to our minds. Perhaps we think about a cataclysmic end to be feared, one involving destruction and judgment. If we think of end in this sense, then Peter is warning his readers about dangerous times. However, the end can also be understood as the completion, or fulfillment of history. We are drawing nearer toward the purpose to which everything is moving. With this understanding, the end is not something to be feared, but what we anticipate with great joy . . . the realization of the will of God on earth as it is in heaven. The glorious culmination is near, because the Christ has come and the Spirit has been poured out!
Contemplation #185
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7
Prayer is encouraged as a way of anticipating and embracing the end of all things. Perhaps this does not mean that we pray because everything is so evil, so corrupt, and destruction is at hand. Maybe we pray because the glorious conclusion of all God’s working is near, and this new reality we enter and join through prayer. Praying out of fear and praying out of eagerness are two entirely different prospects. It is clear that Peter’s readers were enduring suffering, and Peter points not dismally at impending doom, but hopefully toward the end or goal of all history. The nearness of this beautiful end was what would move his hearers to pray.
Contemplation #186
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7
Two inward disciplines are encouraged as important to the practice of prayer: clear mindedness and self-control. Our clearness of thought must be directed by God, so that our own foolish and misguided ideas are discarded and we focus on the ways of God. A correct understanding of life begins with the realization that there is an end to which our world is headed, and this end is in all being united in perfect communion with God. All which is not in harmony with God, ultimately will be removed, and all that is oriented toward God will be perfected. Being self-controlled is really allowing the self to be controlled, not by our will, but our willfulness submitted to the Spirit within. When we are focused and submitted, are prayers become the discipline that prepares us for God’s end.
posted by Greg at 8:06 AM
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