2 Peter 1:16-18
"We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For 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.' We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the sacred mountain." 2 Peter 1:16-18
It amazes me that folks back in the time when Peter lived present the same accusations presented today. There is no doubt that Peter had been accused several times of making up "stories" about this man Jesus. There was no question about the existence of Jesus, but about the things these men claimed he did. It is a credibility issue. Did they just make up stories? According to Peter, the answer is no! As a matter of fact, he and others were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ and the miracles He performed. They heard the voice that came from heaven that confirmed that this Jesus was the Son of God. This is their testimony. Why is it so hard for us to believe? Because it involves the supernatural! We are tangible people who want an explanation for everything that we hear or read. If some says, "I saw...", we say prove it. How do you prove it? You can relive the moment, so you have to make a decision based on the person's credibility and circumstantial evidence. Consider this, why would anyone make up a story that brought them nothing in return except death. They were not popular in the eyes of the world and Peter's convictions about what he had seen and heard brought him a cruel death at the hands of the Romans. And it was not just Peter! It was over 500 witnesses that in a short period of time brought about a revolution in history. Why would so many people pin their hopes to a known lie? Lets be honest, 500 people would have know that their own testimony was a lie. If it were a lie then these people were delusional, and these delusional people were able to sell their delusion to the world and change the landscape of history. The alternative conclusion is to take these men at their word. I have! Even though I have never seen Jesus or heard his voice audibly, I believe their testimony and have experienced the testimony of a changed heart. When I read the scriptures, I experience a communion with my Father through His Spirit. Yes, my journey is a faith journey because I do not have the privilege to touch the wounds of Jesus like Thomas, but I am blessed just as Jesus promised..."blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29b) May God bless you as you seek to live out your FAITH in a world that wants tangible explanations for a super natural being.
It amazes me that folks back in the time when Peter lived present the same accusations presented today. There is no doubt that Peter had been accused several times of making up "stories" about this man Jesus. There was no question about the existence of Jesus, but about the things these men claimed he did. It is a credibility issue. Did they just make up stories? According to Peter, the answer is no! As a matter of fact, he and others were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ and the miracles He performed. They heard the voice that came from heaven that confirmed that this Jesus was the Son of God. This is their testimony. Why is it so hard for us to believe? Because it involves the supernatural! We are tangible people who want an explanation for everything that we hear or read. If some says, "I saw...", we say prove it. How do you prove it? You can relive the moment, so you have to make a decision based on the person's credibility and circumstantial evidence. Consider this, why would anyone make up a story that brought them nothing in return except death. They were not popular in the eyes of the world and Peter's convictions about what he had seen and heard brought him a cruel death at the hands of the Romans. And it was not just Peter! It was over 500 witnesses that in a short period of time brought about a revolution in history. Why would so many people pin their hopes to a known lie? Lets be honest, 500 people would have know that their own testimony was a lie. If it were a lie then these people were delusional, and these delusional people were able to sell their delusion to the world and change the landscape of history. The alternative conclusion is to take these men at their word. I have! Even though I have never seen Jesus or heard his voice audibly, I believe their testimony and have experienced the testimony of a changed heart. When I read the scriptures, I experience a communion with my Father through His Spirit. Yes, my journey is a faith journey because I do not have the privilege to touch the wounds of Jesus like Thomas, but I am blessed just as Jesus promised..."blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29b) May God bless you as you seek to live out your FAITH in a world that wants tangible explanations for a super natural being.
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