Reading: 2 Peter 1:16–21
Do you have favorite family traditions? My favorite traditions are family recipes we use for special occasions, handed down from previous generations.
Peter invites us to trust that Scripture is God’s inspired Word, handed down through generations of God’s people. Peter and the Apostles were “eyewitnesses of his majesty” (v. 16), including the transfiguration of our Lord. They saw Jesus receive honor and glory from God the Father and heard God acknowledge Jesus as “my beloved Son, with whom I AM well pleased” (Matthew 17:5). God told the disciples to “listen to him!” (Luke 9:35).
Peter says to also listen to the apostles. Jesus explained the Scriptures to the apostles so they would see Christ in it. God’s Word has been handed down to the mouths of prophets, carried along by the Holy Spirit. Likewise the Word has been handed down from Jesus to the apostles (also carried along by the Holy Spirit). Jesus’ ministry of the Word is also handed down to pastors.
Take comfort then as you hear and study God’s Word, knowing that it is the inspired Word of God and the tradition of our family the Church. Share it with others, that it may shine like a lamp in a dark place.
Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, Your inspired Word has been handed down for generations. Grant that we may faithfully guard and proclaim it, that generations to come will receive the gift of faith by hearing it, and for your Holy Spirit to bring others to the saving knowledge of the resurrected Christ; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
God’s Word is our great heritage
And shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age
Shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way,
In death it is our stay.
Lord, grant, while worlds endure,
We keep its teachings pure
Throughout all generations. (LSB 582)
Micah Brooks (Sem I, CTSFW)