In preparation for worship this Sunday, I was reminded of an incredible truth from the Bible in 2 Peter 1:16-19. There the apostle Peter says (regarding his and the apostle’s testimony of Jesus):
” 16 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. 17 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.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, 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.”
Peter says I saw with my own eyes, the majesty of God on display (referring to when he, James, and John witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus). He said I heard with my ears the voice of God the Father saying “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” And as magnificent as these experiences were, Peter says we have something more sure than what he experienced, we have the word of the prophets made more certain, that is the Word of God that was spoken through his messengers in the Old Testament, is now confirmed and fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ! And as His Spirit spoke in the Old Testament, now He has spoken through Christ and His apostles in the New Testament!
Peter then closes this thought (and chapter 2 as we know it) saying: in verses 1:20-21 – “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
So if you want to know what God thinks about something, if you want to know what Jesus would do, you have to read what He has said in the Bible! Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the proclamation of the Word of God in Christ (Romans 10:17). Thanks be to God!
