June 27. 2 Peter 1:12-21
GRACE LESSONS: Let’s remember back to when we read John 21. Jesus gently prepared Peter for his death with these words in verses 18-19: “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” Peter was not given a shallow description of how grand life would be following Christ. No, Jesus told him the truth about his hard ending. And then, after Peter knew what was involved, Jesus again asked Peter to follow Him. And Peter did.
Peter shows such grace in this second letter to the churches in Asia Minor simply by caring about them and their faith walks in light of his impending death. He could be all concerned with himself in his last days on earth, but no. His focus is on others and his passion is that they know Christ more and more. Hear his tender words in the NLT version. 2 Peter 1:12-15: “Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.” Those words, my friends, are gracious words.
OUR PASSAGE: Another sweet part of this particular passage is Peter’s recollection of the transfiguration of Jesus. He has never forgotten it. It was so pivotal that it is recorded in three out of the four gospels as well as in verses 16-18 in our passage today. [see Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8;Luke 9:28-36] I can’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like to hear the voice of God speak as Jesus, Moses, and Elijah shone with a brightness more powerful than any human had ever seen in a natural setting. I love how this memory stirs Peter. I suspect it strengthened him for his ordeal ahead. I also love his urging in verse 19: “You must pay close attention to what they (the prophets) wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.” Hey you guys! That’s what we are doing as we read! We are paying close attention to what the Spirit is saying through His vessel, Peter. And some day, friends, The Day will dawn and we will see Christ the Morning Star in all His glory, just as Peter did on that long ago mountain in Israel.
My verses: 2 Peter 1:20-21. “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.”
My response: Here again, Lord, we are reminded that the words in this book, the Bible, are not mere human words. They are Your words to us. Thank You for teaching us so clearly. For being involved in our lives so intimately. Help us to approach Your Word with proper reverence—YOU are speaking!! What an awesome truth.
