2 Peter 1:16-21 (NRSV)
Read 2 Peter 1:16-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16For 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. Verse 17For 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." Verse 18We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Verse 19So 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. Verse 20First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, Verse 21because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Devotion
Nowadays, we frequently hear calls for “first-person” and “eyewitness” reports. We do not trust images people describe if they did not directly observe the event. We suspect they might spread “myths.” Peter is giving his first-person report of the transfiguration to people who dispute Christ’s coming. Peter can verify that Christ is God’s beloved Son because he saw and heard the revelation. This is no mythical image! Christ came to earth and Christ will return.
Today many voices describe Christ’s image. Not all of them recognize Christ as God’s revealed, beloved Son. Some reports about Christ come by “human will” based on earthly motives. Not all of the images we hear about Christ are from “men and women moved by the Holy Spirit” speaking from God.
When we discuss Christ’s image, do we perpetuate myths or do we share the revelation of God’s beloved Son?
Prayer
God of truth, not myth: Help us discern your spoken words as the Holy Spirit moves us within our faith communities. Guide us to truthfully share the revealed image of Christ, your beloved Son and light to the world. Amen.