“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 were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain.” – 2 Peter 1:16-18 

Scripture reading: Matthew 17:1-8

Myths – made up stories – can be entertaining and even instructive. This is true of Ancient Greek myths, Aesop’s Fables and the myths of pagan cultures. But all they are is made up stories. They lack a factual, historical basis.

One accusation levelled at Christianity is that the Bible is just a collection of myths and fables. The false teachers of Peter’s day were teaching that the Second Coming was a myth; that Jesus was not going to return and that there would not be a Day of Judgment. Therefore, how you lived did not matter. Peter’s response to this false teaching is his reminder to his readers that he and the other apostles were eyewitnesses of the majesty of Jesus Christ. They had seen Him transfigured right in front of their eyes. They had seen Moses and Elijah with Him. They had heard the voice of God speak from heaven. This event really happened.

Why this event is important will become plain in verses 19-21, but the key point here is that the reminder to remain established in the truth and to make every effort to live a godly life is based on fact – an actual, historical, literal, physical, real event. Peter and James and John witnessed it! What we must do is believe it. And remember the words of Christ: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Suggestions for prayer

Thank the Lord for the gift of faith. Thank Him for giving us His Word that we might know Christ through the testimony of prophets and apostles. Ask Him for wisdom and courage to tell others the good news about salvation in Jesus Christ.

Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.