2 Peter—Know the Truth
Thursday, October 14
2 Peter—Know the Truth
Today’s Reading: 2 Peter 1: 16-18
We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For 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.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
Peter had experienced something incredible! He had seen Jesus in all His glory during the Transfiguration. He had heard the voice of God say, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” He was an eyewitness to it all on that mountain.
In courtrooms, eyewitnesses give their testimony under oath of what they have seen and heard with their own eyes and ears. For Peter, this experience was proof beyond the shadow of a doubt that everything Jesus had ever told them was true. It gave him a new boldness to speak out about Jesus as an eyewitness.
It’s important to note that Peter wasn’t alone when he experienced the Transfiguration. James and John were there, too. They saw and heard the exact same thing. In Jewish tradition, the testimonies of two people were considered enough to establish a truth. But..God took it a step further. He had three disciples experience the Transfiguration—one more than necessary under the law. (Isn’t that just like our Heavenly Father to do abundantly more!). This way, later on when they shared their experience, it would be accepted as truth by the Jewish people. All three disciples saw Jesus transform into the God He truly is—right before their eyes. They saw Him standing in blazing glory with Moses and Elijah. The presence of these two men was significant because, for the Jews, Moses stood for the law and Elijah stood for all the prophets. The fact that they were there with Jesus in that moment proved that Jesus was the fulfilment of both the law and the prophets. While being transfigured, Moses and Elijah talked with Jesus about His upcoming death and resurrection (Luke 9:31). As the disciples listened, they learned that Jesus would have to suffer, but that He would come into the glory of God’s Kingdom after that. This gave them genuine hope for the future. They experienced God’s glory so powerfully that they were willing to speak out for Him no matter what suffering might result—and all three did suffer greatly for their faith. But, even more, they became confident, that after suffering, they would be together with Jesus, the Messiah, in his Kingdom as promised.
In today’s world, there are many false teachers—people trying to water down or twist God’s truth for their own selfish purposes. Peter warned us about this. He was up against false teachers even in his day. He grieved when baby Christians became confused and fell away from the faith. We can learn a lot from Peter as we seek to “know the truth” of salvation to our families, friends and co-workers. The Bible is the solid testimony of many witnesses to God’s truth, love, salvation and power. Today’s verses are Peter’s written testimony of what he saw and heard. Like Peter, we can share what we know to be true. We can be the candle that chases away the darkness of false teachings. Standing strong on God’s Word, we can speak boldly and God will use us to touch people’s hearts and bring them to Himself.
Gracious Lord, thank you that, like Peter, James and John, we can experience You in Your glory. You have given us Your Holy Spirit so that as we worship You, we are overwhelmed by Your love, truth and glory! Forgive us for the times when we fail to speak out for You. Give us a fresh boldness so that we can be a candle shining with the light of Jesus. Let us always stand on Your Word against false teachings. May we “know the truth” and live in truth each day. In Jesus’ Name and for the Father’s glory, Amen.
Audio of 2 Peter Chapter 1: https://youtu.be/bZAb_9aBv
