2 Peter 1:16-18

2 Peter 1:16-18

For we revealed the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to you all not after following myths that have been cleverly contrived but rather after becoming eyewitnesses of that one’s prominence.  For after receiving honor and glory from God the Father – after a voice was being carried to Him in such a manner as by magnificent glory, “This is my beloved Son into whom I am pleased” – we also heard this voice being carried out of heaven while being with Him in the Holy Mountain.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Peter is really blunt about how he and the other disciples came into power.  They came into power by witnessing it.  They came into power by seeing it in action.  They didn’t read about it.  They didn’t get inspired by listening to some motivational speaker.  They didn’t hear some guilt laden sermon with a pressure-filled altar call.  The disciples saw God’s power on display and it changed them.  This is an awesome point.  We come best to faith by seeing God’s power at work around us.

Where have you witnessed God’s power?  Where in your life can you say God’s power is on display for yourself and others to see?

Second Thought:

There is another very subtle point in this testimony that is worth bringing out.  Peter is able to witness God’s power.  Peter – along with all of the other disciples – are natural human sinners.  Yet they are allowed to see God’s power at work. They are invited by God to see it happen.  Certainly Jesus participated in God’s glory and honor.  But Peter and the other sinful disciples were allowed to participate, too.  God isn’t just the God of the perfect and sinless.  God is the God for any and all.

How often do you contemplate that God has invited you into His presence?  Why is this a point about God’s grace?

Third Thought:

Of course, we can’t pass over this passage without talking about Jesus.  God is well-pleased with Him.  Jesus is obedient to God.  Jesus is willing to die as the Father asks.  He is the ultimate example of living in the faith.

What would it mean to hear God the Father say that He is well-pleased with you?  How can you work in your life to make that happen?  When you think of Jesus’ willingness to be obedient, what examples can you think of that would make the Father pleased with Him?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Peter 1:19-21