1 Peter 1:16-21
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
First Devotional Thought
Peter is recounting Jesus’ transfiguration (see Matthew 17:1-9) as a way of reminding the people about the truth of who Christ is. He is the Messiah—our Messiah, our Saviour! We must continue to remember the times that Christ has revealed this truth to us personally (through creation, through others, and especially through the Holy Spirit), so that we do not lose sight of who he is. There will be times when Christ feels near to us and others when he feels distant. Our continued recollection of his past revelations to us will be our strength in times of struggle, temptation, and loneliness.
Second Devotional Thought
Peter speaks about the transfiguration of Jesus and of his being the Son of God as prophecy. This is a reminder to us that biblical prophecy is more about speaking the truth of who God is than about speaking the future. There are many false prophets in this world who are speaking things that they desire, things they hope for, or simple speaking their own interpretation of things as if they are truth. We don’t want to be false prophets! Peter reminds us that true prophecy comes from God. This means that we need to spend more time telling people about who God is based on what we have learned about him through Scripture and what we have experienced through the Holy Spirit, and less time debating theology, politics, and right and wrong with people. God is love (1 John 4:8); let’s speak of this love, and moreover, show this love to others!
Prayer
God, we thank you for how you have revealed yourself to us in the past. Continue to reveal yourself to us. Help us to share who you are with others and to love others through the love that you have given us. Amen.
Written by Rev Rob A. Fringer, Principal