Men Spoke from God
by Edwin Crozier
Text: II Peter 1:12-21
Peter explains why he so strongly wants to pass on the path to partake in the divine nature and participate in God’s glory and excellence. He witnessed it with his own eyes.
Calling to mind the Mount of Transfiguration (see Mark 9:2-8), Peter explains he witnessed the majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ. He heard the very voice of God the Father declaring Jesus to be His Son. The prophetic word was made more sure to Peter, James, and John. That is, Peter does not write simply because he has studied the ancient prophets and decided Jesus fulfilled them. He witnessed Jesus's transfiguration and saw Him share in the glory of God. Peter knows Jesus is the way any of us will share in God’s glory.
Peter specifically calls to mind the parable of the lamp to which we alluded in yesterday’s post. In Mark 4:21-25, Jesus asked, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear” (ESV). Then, Jesus tells His hearers to pay attention to what they hear. Though Mark uses a different Greek word, the idea is the same as Peter’s. Pay attention. Listen. Heed. Follow.
God’s Word is a lamp shining in a dark place. When we listen and follow, the day will dawn in our own hearts. We will be full of light and life. For Scripture, according to Peter, is not primarily the product of men. Rather, the ultimate author of Scripture is God through the Holy Spirit. “Men,” Peter says, “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (II Peter 1:21 ESV). They did not write from their own authority, their own thinking, their own feelings. At least, not by those alone. No doubt, the Holy Spirit used each man as an instrument. He used their experiences, their perspectives, their backgrounds to get what He, the Holy Spirit, wanted in the Scriptures.
Therefore, we would do well to read. We would do well to read again and again. We would do well to take seriously the accounts of those who witnessed. We would do well to take seriously the accounts of those who experienced. We would do well to take seriously the accounts of those moved by God’s Holy Spirit.
Whether we are new to the Bible, long-time readers, or returning after a hiatus, let us dig deep in the rich soil of God’s Word. Let our roots sink into the Scriptures like a plant in soft, tilled earth by streams of water. Let us give all diligence to mature by knowing the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit through the self-revelation of Scripture. Though we are not as mature as we would like to be and though the going is often slow, remember, slow growth is still growth.
Whether quickly or slowly, may we grow by the power God gives through His Word and grace. Though we falter, may we never cease. For in so doing, God will grant us entrance to His eternal kingdom.
Praise the Lord!
