Links for today’s readings:
Nov 12 Read: Ezekiel 43 Listen: (5:15) Read: 2 Peter 1 Listen: (3:06)
Scripture Focus: 2 Peter 1.3-18
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 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.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
Reflection: We Need More Than Myths
By John Tillman
Peter says we have “everything we need” to live a godly life. Peter lists godly attributes we should make an effort to build into our lives, but he says what we need is not mere human advice, attributes, or aspirational examples.
It is good and proper to take inspiration from narrative examples in scripture. David challenging Goliath inspires confidence in God’s strength, not ours. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel, and Esther inspire us to resist oppression regardless of consequence. Jeremiah, Elijah, John the Baptizer and other prophets inspire us to criticize our own tribes, countries, or kings. Jesus’ ministry and sacrifice inspire accepting outsiders, healing the sick, caring for the poor and prisoners, and self-sacrificial love. But aren’t fictional narratives inspiring?
Isn’t Theoden inspiring in his charge to Minas Tirith? Or Puddleglum in his resistance in Underland? Or Harry Potter in his sacrifices? Or Luke Skywalker in his hope for his lost father? Or Spider-Man in sparing and often saving the lives of his former friends who became super-villains?
Some people think of the Bible as helpful, inspirational, and aspirational stories even if they are false, embellished, or metaphorical. Peter would reject this. Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus’ divine glory. Peter stakes Christianity on the historical claims about Jesus being factually true, not a “cleverly devised” story. Peter would agree with Paul that if Christ is not raised, our faith is useless and pitiable (1 Cor 15.12-19).
If Peter’s version of Jesus isn’t real, our hope in him is misplaced. Scripture, Peter says, is a “prophetic message” and is “completely reliable” and a “light shining in a dark place.” That light reveals Jesus Christ in all his complexity, divinity, and glory.
This does not mean that no part of scripture can be metaphorical or have signs of human design. But it does mean that our need goes beyond human inspiration, positive examples, platitudes, and a “can-do” spirit. We don’t just need a powerful story; we need a powerful God. We don’t need man-made myths, but the divine man, Jesus.
To live a godly life, we need the transformational divine power of Jesus in his incarnation, transfiguration, and resurrection to be real, not just a nice story.
Recommit yourself to the effort Peter describes to build godly attributes, while remembering that the power comes not from our effort but through the gracious reality of the resurrected Jesus and his victory.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
I call with my whole heart; answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes. — Psalm 119.145
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: Glory Returns
You, collectively and individually, are how God’s glory returns. Be expectant. Be hopeful in suffering. Be beautiful amidst ugliness. Be glorious.
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