Because It’s True!
Opening Prayer
Pray the Jesus prayer slowly, focusing on each word: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Read 2 PETER 1:12-21
[12] So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. [13] I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, [14] because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. [15] And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. [16] For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” [18] We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. [19] We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. [20] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How does Peter powerfully defend his teaching here?Whether or not they believe that Jesus is the Son of God, people are more curious about him than almost anyone else in history. Jesus taught Peter how to be a disciple. As he gets older, Peter is aware that he must ensure that those he meets understand why they should be giving themselves away to follow Jesus (16). Because it’s true! Peter heard God confirm who Jesus was (17,18) in the mountain-top encounter which he so wished to frame and keep. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (19) and the Holy Spirit continues to reveal God to us (21). As Luke also testified, the Gospel accounts are not just made up; they’re based on the reports of eyewitnesses (Luke 1:2).
How often do we forget what we’re here for? We get caught up in church politics and buildings and fundraising and such and are so busy keeping the church on the road that we forget what it’s here for—to share the best of good news with everyone.
Apply
Pray the Lord’s prayer, replacing “on earth” with the name of your street, workplace, town, or country.
Closing prayer
Lord, I’m grateful that I can have complete confidence in Your Word because of the many eyewitnesses who reported it.
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