May 19, 2023
2 Peter 1:16-21 
 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.  19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
New International Version (NIV)
Is it possible to see what others are seeing?  Have you ever looked into a person’s eyes long enough to see the reflection of what they saw?  This has been more strategic than romantic for me.  I always tried to do this when I was playing cards with my brothers so I could see their cards.  It never actually worked, but this was not for my lack of trying. 

In his second letter, the Apostle Peter reflects on his sacred encounter on the Mount of Transfiguration.  As I read these verses, I feel like I am looking into his eyes and seeing the Jesus he saw, shining like lightning.   Peter, James, and John not only saw Jesus with Moses and Elijah, but they heard the voice of the Father saying, “This is my Son whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.” 

Why did Peter remind his readers of the transfiguration of Jesus?  He wanted them to know that he and the apostles did not make up their stories.  Instead, they preached and wrote what they had seen.  Peter hoped that his readers would believe in Jesus so that the daylight of grace might dawn on them, and the morning star might rise in their hearts.  

God not only spoke to Peter and the others on the mountain.   When Peter preached at Pentecost and wrote his letters, God spoke through him.  He still does.  If we listen to Peter’s words we will hear God’s voice, too.  If we look into Peter’s eyes, we will see Jesus glowing there.  The Bible is still a meeting place with God.  Keep your appointment today.

Pray with me:
Father, thank you for sending your only Son to save us.  Open our eyes today.  We want to see Jesus.  Let us hear your voice in the thunder telling us to listen to your beloved Son.  Today if we hear your voice, let us not harden our hearts.  We pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen. 
Our 2023 Every Day with Jesus readings are taken from Robert Murray M'Cheyne's Bible Reading Calendar. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:
Please join us in reading through the scriptures again this year.  We will read the New Testament twice and the Old Testament once this year. M'Cheyne once said, “A man is who he is on his knees, and nothing more.”  Would you pray with me that God will make his word live to us this year?  Let’s not just get through the Bible.  Let it get through to us!

Joyfully, 
Duane 

About Duane Archives
Subscribe to our email list.