Not Just an Opinion

Copyright 2012:  singeronthesand

The main thing to keep in mind here is that no

prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion.

And why?  Because it's not something concocted in the

human heart.  Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit

prompted men and women to speak God's Word.

2 Peter 1:20-21

I was very sad when a bright young college student told me that a preeminent professional singer and vocal coach had stated that a very well-known, highly respected professional vocalist was "just a crooner."  The subject in question, an older gentleman who has been singing for decades, is considered by many critics as the best of his genre, and whose performance/interpretation of endless classical repertoire is beyond question. If he had ever been "just a crooner," he would have been just another singer.  I would have no quarrel with the coach if he had said to the student, "Yes, this man is an amazing singer, but I would not want you to copy his vocal technique; it is not right for your voice."   Do not denigrate or dismiss the gift of another artist - not even with a careless comment.

In the same way, I am sad when I read articles by modern biblical scholars, ripping into the lives and the words of the authors of Scripture, tearing apart who they were and what they had to say, poo-pooing this and nay-saying that.  Peter must have heard similar discussions all the way back in his day, causing him to want to set the record straight.  Although he was speaking specifically of the Old Testament writings, his point can be applied to the entire biblical record.

Believing that the Bible is the inspired Word of God is a matter of faith.  Peter testified in his second letter to the Christian community that the scrolls they held in their hands were not just the prattling and opinions of human beings.  The words did not flow from human hearts, but from the heart of God through the power of the Holy Spirit into the heart, mind and speech of the author.  How did the process work?  I haven't a clue, and I don't think anyone else does either!  Some mysteries of faith are just exactly that - mysteries.  The exact details of how God inspired the authors to set down what they wrote have not been shared with us; that does not, however, make the process faulty or phony.  Peter wanted the people to know that the prose and prophecy of the scriptures were God-inspired, God-directed.  It was important for him to reassure the people that he was not just flapping his jaws - shooting from the hip or making it up as he went along.  More than anyone else of his time and place, Peter knew the Source of his wisdom and words - an experience he shared with all of the other men whom God called to give a message to His people..