Verse of the Day 3/3

Through the Bible - Numbers 32-34, Mark 10:35-52

 

Good morning,

We recently read Mark's account of the transfiguration of Jesus in Mark chapter 9.  "Mountaintop" experiences like that can be things that remain with us for the rest of our lives.  In the Old Testament one name given was Ebenezer, or "stone of remembrance.  Today we might call them spiritual markers.

 

Today's passage was written late in Peter's life and he still remembers the experience (read below). In his life, Peter had been an eye witness as well as an active participant of some of the greatest experiences in history.  Think about it, the transfiguration, Jesus in the courtyard, Jesus' crucifixion, the empty tomb, his resurrection, not to mention walking on water or being witness to so many of Jesus miracles.

Here is giving his readers, including us an important message regarding experience.  The experiences themselves may be fleeting but they can be imprinted in our minds for a lifetime.  But the lesson here is, God's Word is superior to experience.  God's Word can speak to us daily, day in and day out. 

 

2 Peter 1:19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.  NLT

or from the NKJV

2 Peter 1:19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;........ 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.    NKJV

Word over experience.

 

John MacArthur writes this about "the prophetic word" - "That original arrangement of the sentence supports the interpretation that Peter is ranking Scripture over experience.  The prophetic word (scripture) is more complete, more permanent, and more authoritative than the experience of anyone.  More specifically, the Word of God is a more reliable verification of the teachings about the person,atonement, and second coming of Christ than even the genuine firsthand experiences of the apostles themselves."

 

Do some of your "life experiences" give you confidence in Jesus Christ?  If so, they should drive you to His Word, to know it better that you may know Him better.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available at: http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

2 Peter 1:16-2:1

 

16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

 

19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

 

Holy Bible, New Living Translation