READ: Daniel 7,8; Psalms 150; 2 Peter 1
SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1: 16 For we did not follow cleverly
devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in
power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
OBSERVATION: Many
people, especially atheists, think religion is a myth. They say Christianity is
also not an exception to this. Sadly, some liberal Christians also doubt
biblical miracles. Here, Apostle Peter
says about what he wanted to remind the believers. He knew that he would die
soon. So, he highlights two crucial points as evidence for the historical truth
of the Gospel (2 Peter 1:16-21). Peter testifies that his faith is not built or
based on “cleverly devised stories.” He says that he is one among the
eyewitnesses who saw Christ’s majesty. He tells the Gospel message is not an
imaginative and unreliable story. Peter was with Jesus when he wrought many
miracles; he witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Peter was an
eyewitness to the life and ministry of Jesus. When Peter preached the Gospel of
Jesus Christ, he shared what he saw, heard, and experienced in his life.
Eyewitnesses’ testimony affirms the historicity of our Christian faith. For
those who refused to believe Jesus and considered the Christian faith a myth or
fable based on human imagination, Peter presents strong evidence for the Gospel
and the coming of the Lord Jesus.
When Peter says, “we were eyewitnesses of his majesty,” he
particularly refers to Jesus’ transfiguration (Mt.17:1-9; Mk.9:2-7; Lk.9:28-35),
which was the revelation of the glory of the Son of God, where Moses and Elijah
were seen and talked with Jesus; his disciples heard a voice from heaven that
said Jesus is God’s beloved Son and we must listen to him. The transfiguration of
Jesus helped the disciples to understand who Jesus was/is and gave them a
foretaste of his divine glory. It gave them confidence in the authority of
Jesus and his words. Then, Peter draws our attention to the testimony and reliability
of the Scripture and its divine origin. Peter did not believe and preach any
myth or fable, but it was the Gospel to which he was an eyewitness. The
Scripture gives a reliable testimony to the truthfulness of the Gospel as the
prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled in the birth, life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus. Christ’s majesty is shining through the life of those
who believe him and God’s word. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we too receive
power from heaven to testify that Jesus is truly the Son of God. Our transformed
life would testify about Christ’s majesty to the people around us.
APPLICATION: The Gospel
of Jesus Christ is the historical truth of his life, crucifixion, and
resurrection. Peter, Jesus’ disciples, and many other people saw the ministry
of Jesus and his miracles. “They were all amazed at the greatness of God” (Luke
9:43). When I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, he reveals God’s glory
and eternal truth and transforms my life. Christ in me is “the hope of glory”
(Col.1:27). When I follow Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit, I can be a
witness to Christ’s majesty.
PRAYER: Father God,
thank you for enabling me to “see the light of the Gospel that displays the
glory of Christ.” Jesus, thank you for your call to be your disciple and be a
witness to your power to transform human lives. Holy Spirit, I can do nothing
without you; fill my heart with your power and God’s word to be a living
testimony of Christ’s majesty. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day – 333
No comments:
Post a Comment