Peter – Be Still…

Mark 9:2-13 – Transfiguration of Jesus

That was powerful! Jesus was glowing like the sun, and suddenly Moses and Elijah showed up, in person. I’m not surprised the disciples were afraid, left speechless. It would be like having the best dream ever. Not only was Jesus there, but Moses, the key figure in Exodus through Deuteronomy, often regarded as author of the first 5 books of the Bible. And Elijah was a very faithful prophet who God whisked away one day in a fiery chariot. Oh, the stories they could tell!

This whole experience is known as the “Transfiguration.” My Google dictionary defines transfiguration as “a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state.” Jesus was already perfect, so what the disciples witnessed was a revelation of Jesus’ deeper identity. In that moment, the glory of the Lord shone all around. Jesus wasn’t hiding his majesty. He was transfigured long enough for the three chosen disciples to see. Continue reading “Mark 9:2-13 – Transfiguration of Jesus”

2 Peter 2:17-22 – Are You Disgusted Yet?

Read 2 Peter 2:17-22

Dissociation and disgust may be what Peter is going for when he uses the dramatic example of dog vomit. If you’ve ever had a pet, you have probably been grossed out by this phenomenon. Peter uses this and other proverbs in today’s reading to help us appreciate the serious dangers of false teachers among us.

Peter’s fear was that if we go astray and listen to these teachers, we’ll never return to God. Their lure is enticing. It’s up to us to have the discernment and boldness to be strong in our faith. There is a lot of truth in Peter’s statement: “you are a slave to whatever controls you.” Think about that for a moment. What are you being controlled by?

1 Peter 1:1-9 – Greeting & Blessing

Read 1 Peter 1:1-9

Let there be no doubt, we are reading a letter from Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ! We get a glimpse at what Peter wants us to know about our Christian walk. As you read Peter’s words, don’t forget he spent time in Jesus’ presence! The extreme authority this letter carries is for us and other Christians struggling with their faith. Are you ready to dig into the wisdom Peter is about to share?

Peter likely wrote this letter from Rome. Throughout the Roman Empire, Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith, and the church was being scattered. These new Christians were in an “exile” of sorts from all that they knew, as aliens living in foreign lands. I know what it feels like to be living in a different culture; and we’ve known people who are never able to adjust. Peter’s greeting is very encouraging when he says, “May God give you more and more grace and peace.”