2 Peter 1:16 – 18 “For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you 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 beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”
Peter wants to make sure that those reading this letter understand that this is first – hand information. These days the media generally is full of misinformation. Truth is difficult to come by, and fully reliable sources of truth are very scarce. Things were no different in Peter’s day. All you had to do to get rumors was to go down to the market and sit with one of the venders. Sooner or later, you could hear just about anything; and those recounting the stories would swear that they were telling the truth. Then there were all the fables surrounding the Roman and Greek gods, plus all the other pagan beliefs circulating. Social media may have changed over the years, but human nature has not.
Many years ago, there was a popular television program called “To Tell the Truth” that tested the viewers’ abilities to determine when someone was lying. Three different people would present themselves, each one claiming to be the same person with particular skills, attributes, or accomplishments. A panel of famous personalities would interview these three people, and then vote on the individual they thought was actually telling the truth. It was entertaining but also surprising how many times even this panel of “experts” found themselves deceived when the real person bearing that name would finally stand up.
Peter, James, and John were the three disciples Jesus took with him to the top of the Mount of Transfiguration. These three men actually heard the voice of God affirming that Jesus was His Son in whom He was well pleased. Peter was an eye witness to Jesus’ teachings, his miracles, his trial, and his death and resurrection. Peter was one of the disciples Jesus sent out to preach about the coming Kingdom and to heal and to do miracles. By the time Peter was writing this letter, he had also experienced the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. It was Peter whose very shadow could heal those upon whom it fell.
It is fascinating to realize that this is one of the few times Peter actually mentions his credentials as a disciple. Although Peter might have started out as a brash outspoken fisherman, the years have taught him a great deal. And of course, then there is the matter of crowing roosters we mentioned a few days ago. No, Peter has learned to be humble. And yet…. Peter wants to establish his credentials now. Why?
Remember, Peter is standing on the brink of eternity and he realizes it! Peter has no time to be vague; he wants to make sure that anyone reading this letter knows that what he is saying is true. And we should be grateful for his plain speaking.
What truths are you clinging to today? What is the foundation on which you are building your life? If you are trusting in anything that is not eternally true, then you are as foolish as the man who built his house on the sand in a flood plain. Ask God to show you His truth. You will never regret it.
PRAYER: Father God, please help all who read this devotional to seek your truth for themselves. Thank you for faithful witnesses like Peter, who have gone before us and who can testify to your majesty, your power, your glory, and your holiness. Let your truth permeate our minds and hearts. In the matchless Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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