Christ’s return is true
16 We didn’t repeat crafty myths when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Quite the contrary, we witnessed his majesty with our own eyes. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when a voice came to him from the magnificent glory, saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 In addition, we have a most reliable prophetic word, and you would do well to pay attention to it, just as you would to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Most important, you must know that no prophecy of scripture represents the prophet’s own understanding of things, 21 because no prophecy ever came by human will. Instead, men and women led by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Reflection
As the generation that was alive during Jesus’ ministry began to pass away, Christians became increasingly concerned
with the return of Jesus. Many heresies began to be preached, contrary to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles.
Because Jesus had not returned as soon as many people had expected, the people were being led astray by naysayers, half truths and false teachings.
So I have to imagine the writer of this letter was fed up with the those who were accusing the disciples of Jesus of making up “crafty myths.” After all, Peter, James and John were eye witnesses to the Transfiguration of Jesus, proof of Jesus’ divine glory that was recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke. And Jesus’ baptism was recorded in all of the four Gospels. In both of these events the divine voice of God descended from heaven and declared of Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” At the Transfiguration the voice of God informs the eye witnesses to “Listen to him,” meaning listen to Jesus, because he is speaking God’s message to the people. So these actual events, that happened in front of reliable witnesses, were the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament as well as confirmation of Jesus as God’s son and Messiah.
Our writer goes further to say, that the words of the prophets, the message of Jesus, were not teachings of humans, but these were the words of God, spoken by humans, inspired by the Holy Spirit. They have been given to us for guidance, lest we stumble in the darkness “as a light shining in a dark place.” We take hold of scripture as our exterior guiding light, following the teachings of Jesus, until the day dawns, and the morning star, Jesus, rises in our hearts. We follow Jesus and the love of Jesus illumines our hearts. And just as the rising of the morning star signals that the
dawning of day is near, we know that following Jesus is proof that the Kingdom of God and Jesus’ return is not far from us.
by Jeneene Reduker
For Pondering & Prayer
In this age of AI generated images, fake news, naysayers and half truths, we know we have a sure foundation in our Savior Jesus. When have the teachings of Jesus been like a light shining in a dark place for you? How does knowing that Jesus will return impact how you live your life following Jesus?
Prayer: Holy and Loving God, Help us when we are overcome by dark places. Guide us as we follow your teachings and your Son Jesus, that light our way. Amen.
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