2 Peter 1:19. A Devotion.

Second Peter 1:19 struck me today. Peter is talking about being an eyewitness to the glory of Jesus at His transfiguration. Peter refers to this as "the prophetic word made more sure." Here is 2 Peter 1:16-19, so you can see for yourself... "For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts." The prophetic word made more sure that Peter refers to in v. 19 is the word of God through the mouth of the prophets (cf. 1 Peter 1:10-11). For example, if you read Matthew's gospel, you'll see that he is often careful to point out how the life and ministry of Jesus fulfills the word of the prophets concerning Messiah (cf. Matthew 1:22, 2:15; 2:17, etc.). Peter, however, says that this word of God has been made even more sure because he heard it straight from the mouth of God rather than through the mouth of a prophet! Now to be sure, God's word delivered through the mouth of a true prophet is God's word through and through, and it carries the full certainty of God's word. But Peter is saying any potential misunderstanding of the prophets or any potential reason for doubting what they have said about Christ is erased by the Father's voice from Heaven, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased..."  Peter's testimony, his experience on the mount of transfiguration is the prophetic word made more sure. What was already a certainty has been made more certain! This is what we are to pay attention to until Jesus comes! This is what we are to pay attention to so that the glory of Jesus will rise higher and higher in our hearts until we meet Him in the air!

He is God's Son! The prophetic word made more certain leaves no doubt!

Psalm 99

Be Thankful.

(Note: This is a guest post from Renee' Hall. Be sure to let her know how this encouraged you!)

I look around and see families doing happy things together during the pandemic. They are cooking and eating as families, using the time to play outside together, reading books, and going on scavenger hunts. Some do this as part of their normal lives. But some have been ‘forced’ to do this but have taken advantage and used the time to reconnect and restore what has been lost in our fast-paced living.

Be thankful in all things.

On the other side, businesses are failing as there is no source of income due to mandatory closings. Families are suffering for so many reasons - no money for rent and food, single parents that can still work but have no childcare, moms and dads who have no patience for homeschool. People approaching retirement are watching their life savings dwindle as the stock market has record breaking lows. Couples are challenged because they have forgotten what it is like to communicate with each other and are now forced to “shelter in place” and spend time together.

Be thankful in all things. God’s word tells us to be thankful.

Colossians 3:15-17 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Let us be thankful for this pandemic. Let us hope that we can always remember how we used it to spend quality time with our families or how we used it to restore relationships.

God’s plan is always the best for us. Even when we can’t see it, and when we can’t figure it out, He knows.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.