SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1:16-21
TEXT: 16For 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. 21because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. THEME: Our experience of God gives us encouragement to live faithful lives. INTRODUCTION Verse 16 differentiates between ‘cleverly devised myths’ and ‘eyewitness accounts. But both are valuable vehicles for truth about God. Although something maybe in story form, it does not mean that it carries any less truth about God, humanity, love, promise, relationship, forgiveness or life, as an eye witnessed historical account. In the same vain, just because something has eye witnesses it does not mean that what was seen was actually true. Take the holding penalty at the last Super Bowl; 3rd and 8 with less than 2 minutes left to play, Mahomes passes to JuJu Smith-Schuster and it is incomplete, but a holding penalty is charged against Philadelphia’s cornerback James Bradberry, giving the Chiefs a first down that set up their game winning field goal. Even with all of the different camera angles, slow motion and replays there are differences of interpretations of this eye witnessed event. Even with the testimony from Bradberry saying, “I pulled on his jersey. They called it. I was hoping they would let it ride.” and new footage clearly showing the hold, there are some who will always question the truth of this penalty. SCRIPTURE Peter, the author of this passage, was an eyewitness of the Transfiguration. Jesus led John, James and Peter up a mountain when his appearance changed dazzling white before them. Jesus’ outward appearance gave those eyewitnesses a new understanding of him. Jesus is not transformed, only his appearance is changed, as it reveals the Glory of God with Jesus. Then the accompanying voice from Heaven; “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased” confirms this prophetic revelation. We have experiences when God’s Glory has been displayed to us through; answered prayer, an epiphany insight of scripture, a theological understanding, a serendipitous event when we have been in the right place at the right time. The Holy Spirit helps us to interpret these events. As well as with the counsel of other believers who add their wisdom to these experiences of God. Scriptures cross references what we discover. These experiences of God’s glory are touch stones of faith that encourage and support us as we journey with God. APPLICATION What have we experienced that gives us a certainty of faith? What does this confidence enable us to do? At the writing of this letter, the first century Christians were challenged because the second coming of Christ has taken so long and some of their members have died. They don’t know what to make of this delay and there are well intended theologies that have emerged taking them away from faith in Jesus and God. We may not have been at the Transfiguration, but Peter was. The transformations in his life are a result of his witnessing the glory of God in Jesus. From fisherman to theologian, from follower to apostle. Recalling those touchstones of faith keeps us on the path of Christ. It is alright to have faith and to have doubt at the same time. Rachel Evans talks about days when she believes and days when she doesn’t. On those days when she doesn’t believe, it is faith that enables her to carry those doubts. It is those times when we have seen God’s glory displayed, that we remember and hold us until we can begin to believe again; Jesus is the son of God, beloved and pleasing to God. What is real and what is fake? Do you know what I look like when I drink a soda I really like? Not like Steve Martin or Ben Stiller. They both were acting in that Super Bowl ad. But they were right, you have to try it for yourself to see if you like it. Then you will have your touch stone event that you can carry with you, whenever you see someone drink a Pepsi Zero and know for yourself whether you like its taste or not. The transfigurations are like that; Jesus is the Son of God, Beloved and God is pleased with him. One more story. At college, all of my religious studies teachers were Christians. They taught an array of classes from world religions, Zen Buddhism, Chinese Religion, the reformation, Hawaiian religion and knew their subject matter thoroughly and yet with all they knew, their faith and hope rested in Jesus the son of God, beloved, their Lord and Savior. In times when I doubted my faith in college, these well-versed professors were my touch stones. CONCLUSION The Transfiguration comes, so we can see Jesus from a different angle. Added to what we know about Jesus from his ministry, teaching, encounters with people and his disciples, we now have a perspective of glory. This is God’s son, beloved and pleasing. This perspective when discussed with the counsel of others, with prayer and petition of the Holy Spirit, can lead to an interpretation that can transform our lives. Last Super Bowl Story. Celebrities like donuts too. So, when Ben Affleck took your donut order at the take-out window, it was like seeing Jesus. The surprise on customer’s faces when they were face to face with Hollywood royalty caught awe and amazement. This is the story of the incarnation, of Jesus serving and not being served, JLo witnesses the transfiguration of her suave movie star boyfriend, in the light of a Dunkin Donuts employee or breaking a donut at the last supper with his disciples (Yeah, the analogy went too far and is breaking down at this point). We need the body of Christ, scripture and the Holy Spirit to interpret these Glory encounters. Then to treasure these touch stone, as makers of our faith, that encourage us on days we don’t believe. But on the day, we do believe, to move towards into God’s future and to participate in God’s mission around us.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Pastor robbSermons Archives
May 2024
|