The English language is rich in modifiers. Adjectives and adverbs flow from our mouths to describe numerous features of a noun. Trucks are old. Dogs are black. Scenery is beautiful. Or we can say old trucks, black dogs, or beautiful scenery. Sometimes that does not seem strong enough so we add the word “very” in front of the descriptor.
In 2 Peter 1:4 Peter tries his best to impress us with an incredible truth. He says, “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” The promises of God are not just precious; they are great and precious. But that was not strong enough for Peter. They are, according to him, very great and precious.
And just what are these “very great and precious promises?” They are promises that we do not have to be slaves to our baser natures. We can break free by actually becoming participants in the divine nature of God. God is willing to move inside our very minds and share His ideas, thoughts and power so we can change into His image. It is all so wonderful. No, it is all so very wonderful.
Written by Roger Bothwell on October 10, 2000
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