Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21
“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16)
In the secular world that we live in today, it is easy to fall into doubt about God. I have often plunged into doubt and question the existence of God. Is He real? Or am I just foolishly praying to myself? So often, God feels distant and irrelevant to our lives, and what really matters seems to be the temporal joys we can experience in the world around us.
However, we must understand that our feelings do not dictate reality. What is true will remain true irrespective of our opinion. If God is real, He will remain real even when we think He isn’t. There was a lot of turmoil in the church in Peter’s time because of false teachers and sceptics in the church. Also, believers experienced heavy trials and persecutions. In these times, Peter assures the church that what they are living (and dying) for was the most worthy cause there could ever be.
Peter testifies to the church His own experience seeing Jesus’ transfiguration. Peter heard the voice of the Father saying about Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”. Moreover, this declaration and all of Jesus’ actions were prophesied in the Old Testament long before they occurred. For example, Psalm 2:7 prophesied, “I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”. Or take Isaiah 42:1, which says, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights”.
Jesus really was the Son of God. Above all these things, He claimed that He would die and rise again in three days. He did what He said. Jesus was no ordinary man, and everyone on earth must take notice of what He has done. On the cross, Jesus took on our sins. He was punished for them so that those who believe might receive a new heart and reconciliation with God. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). He is God, and He is the Truth incarnate in this world so that mankind can have hope. Apart from Christ, there is no other way.
Peter calls the fully confirmed prophetic Word, which is the Scriptures, “as to a lamp shining in a dark place”. This world is dark and full of lies. Wherever you look or seek, you will not be able to find the truth. You can search from the highest intellects to the most primitive tribe. No one has the truth. Whatever people believe will one day disappoint.
However, God’s Word is the truth. It is like a lamp because it is the only beacon of hope for mankind. Test these words and read them for yourself. God’s Word is not a bunch of laws you have to obey to become a good person. God’s Word is the one who can set you free. Christ’s sacrifice frees us from the bondage of sin, and His Words and His life lead us to follow Him and live new lives that are transformed by grace when we believe.
Are you doubting? Get into God’s Word. Read it, digest it, then trust it and put it into action. Jesus is the Truth, and may the Holy Spirit work in your heart to reveal this to you.
Lord, thank you that Christ came into this world to be a beacon of light and hope to us. In Christ, there is Truth, and Christ also sets us free from our sins. Thank You for the grace and love You have shown us. Help us to realise what You have done for us and help us to cling to Your truth in Your Word forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.