Day 182, Year 1

Get Rid of the Traits of Pigs and Dogs

“It has happened to them according to the true proverb, ‘A dog returns to its own vomit,’ and, ‘A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.'” (2 Peter 2:22 NASB)

In today’s verse, the metaphor of dogs and pigs depicts people who initially listen to Jesus and open their doors of hearts to Him, only to close them soon and then leave Him alone. Indeed, those who believe in Jesus and later turn away from Him show rebellion, in contrast to upright and noble people who long for constant faith in Him. Moreover, in terms of the impact on others, no one hinders nonbelievers from believing in Jesus more than those who have turned away from Him.

First, a dog returns to its own vomit. What was once considered harmful and hence rejected is picked up again and consumed. From a human perspective, this is terrifying. This could be compared to those who have once rid themselves of the “high things” but are later controlled and deceived by them again, which is truly saddening. Similarly, those who have once driven out evil spirits from themselves but are later ensnared and subdued by those spirits would find it really difficult to be set free forever. This is because they deliberately choose to obey sins and evil spirits while rejecting the life and commands of Jesus.

Second, a sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire. “Mire” in Greek is borboros, which could also mean “dung, or filth.” The “sow” mentioned in today’s verse is clearly recontaminated. Generally, after believers’ spirits and souls are cleansed, we strive to maintain the purity brought about by Jesus. However, those who reject Him after believing will inevitably have their spirits and souls defiled again. This spiritual defilement can sometimes be felt physically as well. I once met a person who had once believed in the Lord but rejected the Holy Spirit for decades. The stench emanating from his body was noticeable even from a distance of almost two meters away in the cool 15°C weather of Hong Kong. Such defilement is truly scary.

Believers should strive and work hard to eliminate all thoughts and strongholds that obstruct our obedience to Jesus. We should also work on addressing the areas that are disobeying Him, since those who have once accepted but then abandoned God will fall into a grimmer destiny. The repercussions of unbelief can manifest at any time, causing certain unexpected life tragedies. In my understanding, the verse indirectly urges us to have the determination to rid ourselves of our inner beastly nature, so that we can be filled with the full humanity created by God.

Reflection questions:

1) By what reasons do you think those who are cleansed by the Lord Jesus would return to defilement again?

2) Are you determined to address every area of your heart that is not in obedience to the Lord, and to strengthen your desire to be cleansed by Him?