◄ What Does 2 Peter 1:17 Mean? ►

The apostle Peter, was one of the men who heard the voice of John the Baptist crying in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord. He was one of the company who went in and out among Christ's disciples from the beginning, and readily responded to the Lord's call to, "follow Me."

He heard the gracious words that Jesus spoke, and saw despised lepers healed. He witnessed the dead being raised, the blind receiving their sight, and the lame walking. He also looked-on during the arrest of Jesus, and denied Him three terrible times during Christ's illegal and unlawful trial.

Peter was also able to testify about the personal visit he received from the risen Lord Jesus, and was deeply humbled to receive Christ's command to, "feed my sheep," ...three times. And Peter was one of Christ's inner circle who witnessed the honour and glory of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah of Israel and Son of the most high God, on that glorious Mount of Transfiguration.

Early in his second letter, which was addressed to other believers in the faith, he called to mind that wonderful day when Jesus was transfigured before his eyes – a short while before the Lord Jesus died on the Cross, and rose again as the sacrifice for man's sin.

Jesus "received great honour and glory from God the Father," Peter recalls, with appropriate humility and awestruck wonder. And I'm sure Peter's heart rejoiced as he continued, "This is what was said to Him, by the Majestic Glory: 'This is My beloved Son with Whom I am well-pleased.'"

The recollection of that awesome moment when, together with James and John, he witnessed a glimpse of Christ's coming majesty, must have been etched in Peter's heart and memory until the day of his death. Peter must have been implored many times to recount those precious moments to these other saints, who also worshiped the Lord in spirit and in truth.

The reverential fear of the Lord Jesus Christ is very evident in this verse, and Peter calls each one of us to be holy for the Lord our God is holy. May we honour and reverence Him in all we do, for Jesus Christ is God’s dearly beloved Son: "In Whom I am well-pleased."

Heavenly Father, thank You for this precious glimpse into the glorious majesty that clothes our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, that Peter witnessed at the Transfiguration. Thank You that today, Jesus is acting as heavenly High Priest on behalf of the Church, who are His Body, and that He is returning to earth as King of Israel and Governor of the world. Thank You that He fulfilled His earthly role as our Kinsman-Redeemer so that all who trust on Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Praise His holy name, AMEN.