Yes, I’m old enough to remember the pop song, “Ticket to Ride” by the Beetles, playing over and over on the radio when I was a teenager. It’s a catchy tune, but the lyrics leave a lot to be desired. Do we ever really read over the lyrics? Mm. How foolish the world is to fall for empty lyrics to a pop song when the real ticket offered by Jesus to ride higher, deeper, stronger is just waiting for us.

Peter passionately opens his second letter in God’s Word to all of us offering an invitation for a new “ticket to ride”. Who knows better than Peter, the close and dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, about His life-transforming power!

Consider Peter’s background for a moment. Let’s try to imagine the night Peter stood around a campfire in the courtyard of the palace, trying to stay close enough to see what was happening to Jesus, but far enough away to be protected. What was going through his mind when, like Jesus said he would, Peter would betray his Master Teacher? Not once, but THREE times! Then, when he finally gets a glimpse of Jesus on the way to the Cross, imagine the exchanged looks between Master and Student, with the student disciple knowing he had failed his Teacher with betrayal, doing the exact opposite of what he had previously said he would do, “I’ll go with You, I will die with You!” Yes, imagine those Eyes.

Then Jesus comes back, risen from the dead, and Peter one of the first to RUN to the tomb to see that Jesus is not there. Then Peter encounter’s Jesus again with Those Eyes. Both sets of eyes lock on the other. Peter’s eyes are full of guilt, somber remorse, and maybe a little fear. But he can’t look away. Love keeps their eyes locked. Yes, Peter looks intently into the eyes of Grace…the Amazing Grace of his Teacher and forgiveness floods his soul with the mere look of the Master’s eyes. Does Peter see his own reflection in the eyes of his Master? Does the Master see His reflection in the eyes of his student? Either way, the slate is wiped clean. Lesson learned. Joy swells in their hearts and souls. Peter will now be the “Rock”, through his own life transformation, upon which Jesus’ church will be built. Wow!

Yes, this ticket to ride with God is life transforming. Are you ready?

“I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God’s straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master.” 2 Peter 1, Msg

YES, who knows better than Peter?

“Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you–YOUR tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.” 2 Peter 1, Msg

“SO, don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given…”
2 Peter 1, Msg

MORE later…let’s celebrate the transformed life of Peter and worship in gratitude for the grace and transforming power that God has done in our own lives!

“While we were yet sinners…Christ died for US!” (Romans 5:8)

Dear Heavenly Father, THANK YOU, thank you, thank you for never giving up on us! Thank you for Your salvation. Thank you for consistently transforming us to be more and more like you as we yield our lives to you. Here I am. Do what You must. Just be gentle. As I know You will.
In Jesus Name, Amen