2 Peter 1:13-21 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 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. So, we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
I have also included the Gospel of Luke as it is the Gospel for the Feast of the transfiguration.
The Gospel of Luke 9:28-36 Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, On the mountaintop You revealed Your glory to Peter, James, and John. Shine Your light into the dark places of our hearts. Transform our fears into faith, our doubts into trust, And our weariness into worship. May we be transfigured by Your presence, So that we reflect Your love and truth in the world. Amen.
Surrounded by a small group of earnest followers. Peter begins to speak, his voice steady and filled with authority as he imparts his final words of wisdom and encouragement to the group. He knows that his time on earth is drawing to a close, and he wants to ensure that the message of Christ is firmly planted in the hearts of those who will carry on the faith after him. As he speaks, his words are filled with a sense of urgency and passion, urging the believers to hold fast to the teachings they have received and to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of persecution and doubt. Peter speaks of his impending death not with fear, but with purpose. He wants his readers to be stirred up and reminded of the truth. Peter affirms that the gospel is not a myth. He saw Jesus transfigured, heard the voice of God, and now testifies to it. Unfortunately, in today’s world full of skepticism, Peter’s testimony reminds us that faith is grounded in real events. Christianity is not built on clever stories but on divine revelation. Peter tells us the Transfiguration revealed Jesus’ divine nature, Peter saw the glory and believed in the promise of His return. He urges believers to pay attention to the prophetic word, which is like a lamp shining in a dark place. He stresses that Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is a guiding light in spiritual darkness.
Peter’s reflection is both personal and prophetic. As he prepares to leave this world, he anchors the church in the truth of Christ’s majesty and the reliability of God’s Word. His message is clear: hold fast to the gospel, trust the Scriptures, and live in anticipation of Christ’s return.
Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, As we celebrate the Transfiguration of Your Son, Help us to listen to His voice and follow Him faithfully. May the vision of His glory sustain us in times of trial, And inspire us to seek Your face in prayer and service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 