Stirring the Tabernacle: Living Aware of Our Fragility
"Yes, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me." - 2 Peter 1:13-14
In the midst of life’s distractions and the frenetic pace of our daily routines, it can be easy to forget that our time on Earth is limited. In the epistle of 2 Peter, we find a heartfelt reminder from the Apostle Peter, who states in 2 Peter 1:13-14 (KJV), "Yes, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.”
Here, Peter is employing the metaphor of a "tabernacle" to describe our earthly bodies—not merely as physical structures but as temporary dwellings that house our eternal spirits. The word “tabernacle” conjures images of the tents used by the Israelites during their time in the wilderness, symbols of their transitory existence. Likewise, our lives are but a breath, a fleeting moment in the infinite expanse of eternity.
Peter's urgency to "stir you up by putting you in remembrance" emphasizes the importance of attentiveness to our spiritual walk. It is easy to fall into complacency, forgetting the profound truths that undergird our faith amidst life’s chaos. Here, Peter acts as a spiritual catalyst, urging us to awaken from our slumber and remember the foundational truths of the Gospel. He wants to stir our hearts, igniting within us a passion and an urgency to live out our faith authentically, for the clock is ticking.
As we reflect on our own tabernacles—the lives we lead and the bodies we inhabit—are we aware of their impermanence? Each day brings with it the invitation to reflect on what truly matters. It is a call to repentance, to alignment, to remember our purpose in the light of eternity. Just as Peter was at the edge of his own physical mortality, we too have an appointment we cannot avoid.
Peter's words carry weight when we consider his unique relationship with Christ. Having walked alongside Jesus, witnessed His miracle of resurrection, and experienced personal restoration, Peter encapsulated the essence of Jesus’s teachings. He was aware of the road he must tread, a road that would eventually lead him to his own crucifixion. Knowing this, he desired to leave behind a legacy of faith, underscored by the urgency of remembering our own calling.
In this modern world, we are bombarded with priorities that vie for our attention, but often these priorities are fleeting. How often do we prioritize our spiritual lives over temporal pleasures? To "stir up" means to awaken or to bring to life. Peter's reminder is a call to actively engage with our faith, to allow the Holy Spirit to stir our hearts and minds towards love and good works so that we may shine brightly in a darkened world.
This stirring includes embracing the realities of our mortality and the hope found in Jesus Christ. While it may be a sobering thought to consider that we, like Peter, have our own earthly terminus, it is also profoundly liberating. Each day we have the opportunity to create ripples of grace through acts of love, compassion, and faithfulness. Every moment becomes a canvas, and it is our choice how we paint it.
Let us ask ourselves: What are we doing with our tabernacles? Are we merely existing, or are we living with purpose and intent? As we meditate on Peter’s words, may we remember to cherish each day, stir one another up in love, and fulfill the calling of Christ in our lives. The preparation for eternity starts now, in our daily choices and interactions.
In conclusion, let us embrace the transient nature of our existence as a powerful motivator to live fully and for the glory of God. Let us take to heart the words of Peter, allowing them to stir our spirits and equip us to make an eternal impact, knowing that soon, we too will put off this tabernacle, but our spirits will soar beyond.
Want to reflect more on 2 Peter 1:13-14?
Continue your spiritual journey with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, discover connections, and deepen your understanding.
Get Our Apps
2 Peter 1:13-14 Artwork
2 Peter 1:13-14 - "Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me."
"Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me." - 2 Peter 1:13-14
2 Peter 1:13 - "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;"
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - 2 Peter 1:4
2 Peter 1:4 - "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
2 Peter 1:3 - "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"
1 Peter 2:13 - "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;"
1 Peter 2:14 - "Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."
"Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;" - 2 Peter 1:13
1 Peter 3:13-14 - "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled."
I Peter 1:3
2 Peter 1:14 - "Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me."
1 Peter 1:13-14 - "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance."
1 Peter 1:14 - "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:"
2 Peter 1:6 - "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;"
2 Peter 1:7 - "And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity."
2 Peter 1:20 - "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation."
2 Peter 2:9
2 Peter 2:9
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;" - 1 Peter 2:13
1 Peter 3:13 - "And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?"
"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" - 2 Peter 1:3
2 Peter 1:5 - "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;"
1 Peter 3:14 - "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;"
2 Peter 1:3-4 - "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - 2 Peter 1:4
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - 2 Peter 1:4
"And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;" - 2 Peter 1:6
1 Peter 2:5
1 Peter 2:5