As the apostle Peter
continues his exhortation to the church, he has made reference to one
of the most fantastic experiences a person could ever have on earth –
the transfiguration of Jesus Christ right before his eyes. This
magnificent occasion must have been overwhelming in his mind and sure
proof for who Jesus was, however, in chapter one and verse nineteen,
Peter shares an even more sure word of the proof of Jesus. We read:
We have also a more
sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as
unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the
day star arise in your hearts:
The
verse begins, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy” The
idea behind “a more sure word” is “stable, fast, firm
and trustworthy”. Peter states that even though he saw the
transfiguration of Jesus, there is a more solid foundation than that
experience. Notice too that he uses “of prophecy” which is
in this case the “fore-telling” or “forth-telling” of Jesus
Christ. The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of Him, and those who
were of that current day told of Him as well. We shall see that Peter
is making reference to the scriptures in our next verse.
The
verse continues, “whereunto you do well that you take heed, as
unto a light that shines in a dark place,” Peter continues his
thoughts with an exhortation and warning and provides a metaphoric
phrase to describe the effect of his words. He tells them they would
“do well” which means “do beautifully, finely, and
excellently” if they “take heed” or “bring near, be
attentive to, or apply” these things to their lives. He likens his
reference to being “like a light in a dark place” which
illuminates the entire area. Though a person may dwell in the darkest
place in his or her mind, the light of God's word can dispel all
obscurity.
Finally
the verse says, “until the day dawn, and the day star arise in
your hearts:” There is a place of destiny which Peter knows the
“more sure word of prophecy” will avail itself, and he
likens it to the dawning of the day which is when the light first
appears over the horizon. When the sun comes up in the morning, the
earth is illuminated with its glow, and when the gospel of the word
of God penetrates the darkest of hearts, a new dawning of life will
be upon them. “The day star” is a reference to Jesus
Christ and is metaphorically demonstrated by the sun. First the
person is illuminated by the light of the gospel, then the person of
Jesus Christ appears in their lives and permeates their mind, soul
and body. The “more sure word of prophecy” has forged its
path, and those who respond to it will know the Lord Jesus as both
their Savior and Lord.
Do we
“take heed”, bring near, attend to, and apply the word of
God? Does it have an effect in our lives? If we were to be tested by
our attitudes, demeanor and actions, would others know that the “day
star” has risen within our hearts? As we think about these
wonderful words of Peter, perhaps we will find places of darkness
within us where the day needs to dawn, or maybe we need to realize
once again that the “day star” has arisen in our hearts.
Whichever the case, we know there is a loving God who has provided
the means by which all the darkness within us must flee, and may the
Lord bless us so that darkness will never be part of us again.
Next
time we will learn how no scripture is of private interpretation, so
read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want
to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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