What’s in a Testimony?

VaYera brings focus to three heavenly beings who visited Abraham.  Many believe that these persons were a reflection of Elohim.  And that, Yeshua the Messiah revealed a part of Himself by showing His intent to dispense judgment towards those who chose sin, but to provide promise and hope to those who faithfully follow.  However in this study, we often overlook the corresponding writings of Peter the apostle, who gives testimony of Yeshua appearing hundreds of years later.  Why is Peter’s testimony so important?  And why are we  in need of this testimony today?

In the second epistle, Peter reminds the church that knowledge has been given.  What is that knowledge you may ask.  It’s the understanding that Yeshua’s divinity grants us the power to overcome this world and the corruption that it holds onto. 

“For His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. ⁴ Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust.”
2 Peter 1:3-5

If you recall, Yeshua reminded His followers that they could partake of His blood and His body.  In doing so, we have access to the Heavenly realms to overcome our physical realm.  (John 6:53-57.)  Of course, this is a hard concept to grab onto. It’s where many walk away, in that our corrupted body hesitates to acknowledge the spiritual kingdom.    

“So then many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This statement is very unpleasant; who can listen to it?” ⁶¹ But Yeshua, aware that His disciples were complaining about this, said to them, “Is this offensive to you? ⁶² What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? ⁶³ It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh provides no benefit; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit, and are life.” 
John 6:60-61.

Peter continues to write that by partaking in Yeshua, our nature will change, but we are to remain diligent and practice excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and, love.  In practice, we change.  Before Peter knew Yeshua he was a “son of thunder.”  After knowing Yeshua, Peter became a “fisher of men.”  What difference it make when we “partake” or take hold of heavenly divinity.   

When we compare Peter’s writings to the Torah story of three visitors, is it any wonder that we see Sarah laughing when she is blessed?  Is it any wonder that Abraham becomes known as a man of hospitality?  Lives change for the better when we accept the fullness of Yeshua into our lives.   

Peter is an eyewitness to Yeshua’s Majesty!  This is critical, in that he isn’t speaking from speculation, but from personal experience.  He clarifies that he is not following made-up stories like Greek mythology—where the gods are just like us—regular men and women with power.  Instead, Peter reminds us of Yeshua’s majesty that only comes from Yah Himself. 

“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. ¹⁷ For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such a declaration as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory: “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased, ¹⁸ and we heard this declaration made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.”   2 Peter 1:16-18