Our scripture selection is from the 2nd Letter, or Epistle, attributed to Simon Peter, who is described in the opening verse of the chapter as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. Hear the word of testimony about Jesus, written by one of the most colorful personalities among his disciples.
II Peter 1: 16-18 (NRSV)
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Let us pray…
God of all Glory—Majestic Glory—as Simon Peter expressed it, we honor your Word as Truth above all truth. We receive this ancient word of testimony with joy, for we find our bearings in your word.
We are encouraged with this reminder that the authors of scripture did not follow cleverly devised myths in passing on their knowledge of You to generations to come, and we are grateful that the gospel reached us through the faithfulness of many believers down through the centuries.
This book we call the Bible is a remarkable book indeed. Thank you for the dependable declaration of Saint Peter—that the Bible is not fiction. We rejoice that through its pages and the testimony of those who have believed and followed the truth revealed to them, we too have come to know the power and wonder of your revelation to us in Jesus. We are grateful that, through faith, we too have become eyewitnesses of His life and His love at work in the lives of His followers.
Grant us grace and power through Thy Holy Spirit to share the Word of Truth effectively in our day, in these days of skepticism, cynicism, and criticism. Help us to keep our faith firmly grounded and not be uprooted by the powerful forces of disbelief raging around us in our culture today.
Most of all, help us to live with the confidence of those early eyewitnesses, living and sharing our faith day by day so that others will also give glory to you, Merciful God and Everlasting Father. We pray by faith in the name of Jesus, Son of God, Savior of mankind, Resurrected Lord. Amen.
