Staring at my Father-in-Law seated in his recliner, a furrow evident across his bow, his 80-year-old trembling voice paused from the reenactment at 20,000 feet half a world away. The pain of the war weighed heavy on his heart. From the airfields in England to the flak filled skies over Germany, he opened my eyes to reality. I saw the war through his senses – only possible because Joe was there. He witnessed it. He lived it.
Having the opportunity to talk with an eyewitness provides a portal into the experiences for which we pursue a deeper understanding. My passion to know more about what it was like to walk with Jesus of Nazareth during his three year ministry, the interactions, the emotions, the lessons learned – all aspects are incredibly captivating. Absent the opportunity to have a dialogue with someone actually present, I must turn to the Apostles – the men chosen by Jesus to comprise his inner circle of followers. As recorded in the gospel accounts, they witnessed and participated in events that drew the attention of the crowds – a testimony of the authority of Jesus to some while serving as justification for rejection and condemnation by others. Assuming a leadership role among the followers of Christ, Peter was instrumental in launching the church in Israel and beyond. The New Testament contains two letters penned by the Apostle Peter which capture some of his teachings. In his second epistle, Peter substantiates his verbal and written testimonies concerning spiritual truth by highlighting his position as an eyewitness, defending against those who were claiming his teaching was based on tale or myth. He presents a message of hope though faith in Jesus Christ – a man who willingly gave up his life, crucified like his Lord, committed to declaring the truth no matter the cost. He was there. He witnessed it. He lived it.
As we begin a new year, resolutions of change will abound driven by the sense of a fresh start. Consistent with that longing for starting again, Jesus offers those who will place their faith and trust in His saving work the blessing of a restored relationship with God. It is a fresh start of the soul, experiencing the joy of God’s grace poured out as we walk a new path empowered by the Holy Spirit – living in a manner pleasing and honoring to our Father. Perhaps for others, it is a new year’s rededication to faithfully pursue Jesus Christ, to be “All In”, longing for that inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away (1 Peter 1:4). A revival of the heart drives a fresh pursuit of eternal treasures. Peter was there on the mountain when the utterance from Heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased.” We would do well to pay attention to what Peter has to say.
Happy New Year!
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales 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
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