The Greatest Reference

For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, a voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory: This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him! - 2 Peter 1:17

Often in my ministerial career I have been asked to serve as a reference for someone (yep, they were desperate), either a church member, college applicant, or another vocational minister. Usually, I considered it a privilege and can only remember one instance where I might have hurt a person's prospects of landing a position. Hey, I had to be honest!

In this verse, Peter wrote about the moment when Jesus received a "reference" from the throne room of heaven. Of course, Peter was actually present for this occasion and in that moment realized at least one important truth. This "reference" from the Father did not make Jesus His Son, neither did it make Jesus worthy of praise. The Father's reference (of course, greater than any other) only affirmed what was already true. Then again, given the radical nature of His life and ministry, such a reference was absolutely necessary. Jesus was and is worthy. His Father, His life, His death, and His resurrection all said so.

I guess the question is, "Would Jesus and His Father be references for you?"

If you had a thousand crowns you should put them all on the head of Christ! And if you had a thousand tongues they should all sing His praise, for He is worthy! - William Tiptaft