Only One Reported

 

2 Peter 1:17-21

For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.” (2 Peter 1:17-18)

What is being referred to is called the transfiguration, and it took place on what is referred to as a high mountain, about six days after Jesus foretells of His death and resurrection.  When the apostle Peter recounts this happening, as an eyewitness, he was not alone, others who witnessed it were James and John.  It is of interest that of the three men only Peter refers in his writing of this life changing moment, but Matthew’s gospel, Mark’s gospel, and Luke’s gospel all give a detailed account of what took place.  Mark’s gospel gives us this account of what took place on that mountain; “And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.  And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.”  (Mark 1:3-4)

That was a defining moment in the life of those three men and up to that time they had based what they believed about Jesus on what the prophets had written and signs and miracles.  So verse 19-21 are from a new perspective, no longer someone else’s account, no they are from an eyewitness.  “And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.  For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Early in verse 14, Peter has told us that he understands that very soon his body will be heading for the dirt and he understands that false prophets and teachers will come into the church and begin teaching all kinds of heresies.  So as an eyewitness he is telling you and me that the prophetic word will be to us like a lamp shining in a dark place.  I’m not sure, but it seems that at no time in my sixty plus years has this old world been less illuminated.  Good is called evil and evil is called good, but God has spoken about these days through the prophets, and through His Son, the Christ.  I believe this is our defining moment, to read, to believe, and to act on the many promises of God’s word.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice