Thursday 23 October, 2014

16 We told you about the time our Lord Jesus Christ came with power. But we didn’t make up stories when we told you about it. With our own eyes we saw him in all his majesty. 17 God the Father gave him honor and glory. The voice of the Majestic Glory came to him. It said, “This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him.” (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35) 18 We ourselves heard the voice that came from heaven. We were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 The word of the prophets is made more certain. We have that word. You must pay attention to it. It is like a light shining in a dark place. It will shine until the day Jesus comes. Then the Morning Star will rise in your hearts. 20 Above all, here is what you must understand. No prophecy in Scripture ever came from a prophet’s own understanding. 21 It never came simply because a prophet wanted it to. Instead, the Holy Spirit guided the prophets as they spoke. So prophecy comes from God.

Peter and the other disciples got to experience being with Jesus first hand. They heard the audible voice of God acknowledge Jesus, his beloved son. I’m always a little jealous of this fact! It is interesting to note that Peter refers back to God’s word and in particular what the prophets had spoken. He then goes on to say that his experiences with Jesus and God the Father led him to have more confidence in the word. Peter emphasizes the importance of paying attention to God’s word and the fact that it’s not just the words of men but inspired by the Holy Spirit.

This passage got me thinking about my Christian walk and the various things I’ve experienced firsthand along the way. True I may not of literally been with Jesus like the early disciples but I have experienced God’s forgiveness, love, grace, provision, healing, guidance, peace etc. These things and many more are discussed in God’s word. No one can take these experiences away from me. They are my story ready for sharing. I can say God’s word is true because I have experienced it for myself and can give examples. Like Peter, for me, experiences have built greater confidence in God’s word. God’s word is central though it came first, not the experience. Peter really stressed this point. I am encouraged to share God’s word and how my experiences have tied in with it.

Thank you for your word Lord and allowing me to experience it’s truth in many areas of my life. Please help me to share your word and the experiences I’ve had with others. Amen

Written by Ainslie Woods