We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

— 2 Peter 1:18

Some events in our lives can take on deeper meaning as the years pass. Especially when it comes to matters of faith and encounters with Jesus, we can find that our understanding can sharpen and grow over time. That certainly was the case with Peter and his understanding of Jesus over the years.

After Jesus had ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), Peter continued to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ time on earth. And he recalled a key moment when God had revealed Jesus’ true identity on the mount of transfiguration. There Jesus had been revealed as the Son of God in dazzling glory, and God had said about him: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5). As the years passed, the truth of this intense moment grew clearer and expanded in Peter’s mind and life, leading him to act boldly and powerfully in faith and service for the Lord. And in all of this Peter was guided by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In a variety of ways this can be true for us too. By recalling God’s grace to us, meditating on his Word, and engaging with God in prayer through the work of the Spirit, our faith will grow and deepen. As the Lord teaches us in his Word, this is what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, may our faith and knowledge continue to grow so that we can serve faithfully as your true disciples. Amen.