Eyewitness to Eternity
OPENING PRAYER:
Gracious God, as we delve into Your Word, grant us the wisdom to see the truth through the eyes of those who witnessed Your works. May their testimonies strengthen our faith and resolve.
"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."
2 Peter 1:16 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Pastor Jarred Peine highlighted the importance of eyewitness testimony in affirming the truth of Scripture. Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, assures us that the accounts of Jesus' life are not cleverly devised stories but are based on firsthand experiences. This is crucial because it means the Bible is not a product of imagination, but a record of real events witnessed by real people.
In the message, Jarred compared Luke's Gospel to a true crime podcast, where Luke would interview those who had seen Jesus' miracles and heard His teachings. This vivid imagery helps us understand the authenticity and reliability of the Gospel accounts. Just as a true crime story relies on eyewitnesses to piece together the truth, so does the Bible rely on those who walked with Jesus to convey His message to us.
Consider how this impacts your view of Scripture. Knowing that the Bible is rooted in eyewitness testimony should bolster our confidence in its truth. Jarred encouraged us to see the Bible as a foundation stronger than ourselves, one that can withstand the doubts and lies of the world. Let this truth inspire you to delve deeper into God's Word, trusting in its power to transform your life.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will start a daily devotion in the next 48 hours. One way you could consider doing this is subscribing to the Pathway Church Daily Devotion. Receive it in your email inbox every morning.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, thank You for the eyewitnesses who faithfully recorded Your works. May their testimonies inspire us to trust in Your Word and live out its truth. Strengthen our faith as we walk with You. Amen.