Second Peter: Part Two
Since Peter’s death was imminent it seemed necessary for him to encourage believers to remember; he knew the importance of recalling his experiences with Jesus and the transfiguration was a highlight.
Peter wrote briefly about this supernatural event in 1:16-18. Interestingly, this prayer-time was a set-up for these future leaders to witness. Jesus experienced a metamorphosis when His divinity shone from inside to outside exposing a luminescent, blinding light radiating from His body. It was like lightning flashing all around Him as He remained in this glory-state. Moses and Elijah, undoubtedly representing the Law and Prophets, appeared beside Him and they discussed the details of Jesus’ soon departure.
As Peter observed Jesus being transformed he was speechless yet blurted out the need for three tents to be built. Mark wrote, at Peter’s direction (9:6), that ‘he didn’t know what to say’; sometimes when you don’t know what to say … say nothing at all. Fortunately for us God took this opportunity to audibly speak and declare this event to be focused on Jesus only. He is the sola, the only One they were to listen to: no one else.
As Peter recalled this event, calling God the Majestic Glory, he moved into the relevancy of the gift of prophecy. Now, stay with me, as we unpack these verses: 19-21.
The prophetic words from Scripture (vs. 20) were like a shining lights in the Old Testament and we should pay attention to them because they were given to warn, rebuke, console, and tell of future events. Many Old Testament prophets wrote of the Second Coming calling it ‘that day’ and Peter also wrote of ‘the day dawning and the Morning Star rising’ as he reminded his readers that those words were God’s voice spoken through men. He wrote that the prophetic word is now more fully guaranteed; we have solid, unshakeable footing to depend on: the voice of the Holy Spirit. It’s still Jesus only but now it’s His Spirit speaking through us.
Paul taught in 1 Cor. 14 that prophecy should remain alive and well in the church for three purposes: building up, encouragement, and consolation. Pretty simple yet the Church often disregards Paul’s admonishments. As you read this chapter you’ll see that emphasis is on your desire to prophesy to people (vs. 1): why? Because the gifts of the the Spirit empower you bring revelation, knowledge, prophecy (His voice), or teaching (vs. 6) all to benefit the Church. We should be eager for these manifestations of the Spirit (vs. 12) and strive to excel in them.
Prophecy is a sign for believers (vs. 22); we’re privileged to hear God’s voice encourage or teach us knowing when it’s real because we recognize the voice of the Shepherd. It’s also a sign for unbelievers (vs. 24); they’re humbled and often repent. What a wonderful church service when His voice, spoken through Spirit-filled believers, encourages us and unbelievers get saved!
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