Monday, March 16, 2015

In our study of 2nd Peter it is clear Peter had a good grasp of where his readers were in their faith journey. He wanted to affirm them, warn them about the vulnerability of atrophied faith, and encourage them to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He reminds them of what they already knew and were firmly established in. He shares the clear remembrance of his experience of seeing Christ’s transfiguration, and hearing the voice of God’s affirmation thundering from heaven. But he writes in verse 19, “we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it!” The Old Testament scriptures had by that time endured the tests of the critics and of time. Prophecy after prophecy was fulfilled, especially in the life of Jesus Christ. Mountain top experiences of spiritual ecstasy are exhilarating and leave deep impressions on the person experiencing them. But they are not a standard for everyone. Peter had an extraordinary experience on the mount of transfiguration, nevertheless he declared that the holy scriptures were more certain than his experience. His experience vividly confirmed the prophecies about Jesus, thus building his faith in the scriptures. But he wanted those he was writing to stand on the scriptures rather than his special, miraculous experience. And he encouraged his readers: “you will do well to pay attention to it,” that is the scriptures. He promised the Bible would be like “a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” Study the Bible and you will find the truth.