Reading: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed …” 2 Peter 1:19

Too much preaching and pulpiteering is based on feelings and anecdotal experiences rather than the solid rock of the Word of God. This sort of preaching leaves the hearer starved, insecure and unable to face basic life experiences with confidence. The prophet spoke of a people who were “destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). In that instance it was the people who rejected the knowledge, but history shows that the pulpit also needs guarded, examined and checked. What seems to be biblical exposition can often be the manipulation of Scripture to bolster a preacher’s particular hobbyhorse or interests.

The apostle Peter, along with James and John were with our Lord on the mount of Transfiguration. They saw His glory, as eyewitnesses (Vs. 16), they heard the voice of God from heaven confirming the person of the Lord Jesus (Vs. 18). Peter and John (1 John 1:1-3) used these experiences in their ministry to confirm the certainty of the life and work of Jesus.

Without denying or doubting the certainty of their experience, however, Peter makes sure that his readers have solid foundation. He will not rest his eternal security on human experience. His faith, his life, his ministry must rest on the Word, not feelings, personal experiences or inclinations. He wants to know that what he has heard and seen can be squared with the Word of God. This is a humble and a safe position to take; it assumes the frailty of human experience and assures us of the certainty of the Word of God. This is our only rock in an unsettled world. This is our only certainly in tenuous times. This “more sure word” is our only wisdom.