Get Real November 23 Devotional
November 23, 2024
2 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.
Peter faced a troubling situation in Asia minor. Many had come to doubt the triumphant return of Jesus to rule the earth in peace and justice. The gospel proclaims both forgiveness of individual sins and the final victory of Christ over evil, when creation will be remade and restored. Peter reminds his listeners of several reasons to trust that God will bring His kingdom, along with its universal peace and justice.
He mentions the words of the prophets, marvelously fulfilled in the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. The scriptures we read quoted by Peter include those about a cornerstone, precious and unshakable, for instance. It is compelling that previous prophetic visions found such remarkable confirmation. God keeps His promises. Peter also refers to the transfiguration of Jesus, when he and James and John, saw Jesus in His glory, with Moses and Elijah. They heard directly the voice of God validating Jesus as Beloved Son. This personal experience was a preview of both the coming Resurrection and the wonderful return.
How do you picture the restoration of the cosmos and the final rule of God?
Gracious God,
Thank You for giving us wonderful images of creation’s destiny: a wedding feast, a victory party, a new heaven and earth. Strengthen my witness by growing my hope.
Amen.
