I wake up in the morning with music. No beeping electronic alarm sound for me, jolting me into consciousness. Instead, I want to be gently awakened by one or more songs from a favorite playlist. Melody is what I want to make me aware of the day’s beginning, to let me know it’s time to rise from rest.

But what about being awakened from a slumber of neglect, or a slumber of distraction, or a slumber of misplaced priorities, or a slumber of discouragement? What’s gonna work when you’re snoozing at the wheel while you’re supposed to be following Jesus? Chewing this morning on Peter’s approach, on being awaken with a reminder.

Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. I think it is right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder, since I know that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has indeed made clear to me. And I will also make every effort so that you are able to recall these things at any time after my departure.

(2Peter 1:12-15 CSB)

The Lord Jesus had let Peter know his days were coming to a close, he would soon lay aside his earthly tent. But before he left, this fellow elder of God’s flock (2Pet. 5:1-2) would continue to shepherd his sheep so they wouldn’t be left to aimlessly wander after his departure. And so, he’d write one more letter. One more recap of who they were in Christ, what they possessed through the Spirit, and how they should live for God. As he had always done, he would continue to always do — I will always remind you about these things.

Peter knew how easy it was to take your eye off the prize and start drowning when you should be walking on water (Mt. 14:28-33). He knew the reality of finding himself suddenly denying Jesus when his intention had been all along to defend Jesus (Mt. 26:33-34). He knew the weariness that could lull you into passing out on Jesus instead of praying with Jesus (Mt. 26:37-40). He knew the need, from time to time, to wake up with a reminder.

And so, he again presents to these precious sheep a reminder of some precious promises. Tells them repeatedly the truths they already knew.

I will always remind you about these things, Peter says, to wake you up with a reminder.

His desire was to arouse them afresh to faithful living. His goal was to stir up within them the divine power granted them in order to live fully into the divine nature gifted them (2Pet. 1:3-4). He would combat every tendency within them to float with the facts that they were born again to bear fruit (2Pet. 1:8). He’d wake them up with a reminder.

Like I said, I wake up with music in the morning. But then, on most mornings, with the help of the Spirit’s prompting and a cup of coffee, I make my way to my desk, open my bible, and get ready to be awaken with a reminder.

By His grace. For His glory.