Until the day dawns

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; - 2 Peter 1v16-19

Peter recounts for us here the occasion on the Mount of Transfiguration where he actually saw the majesty of God and heard His voice say, ‘This is my beloved Son,. In Whom I am well pleased.’ This was a privilege almost beyond belief. To be permitted to see the interaction between Father and Son must have been amazing.

After describing the event briefly Peter goes on to relate it to his readers. The rest of the context makes it clear that the context is the word of God. Here Peter writes, ‘We have the prophetic word confirmed.’ The KJV has ‘we have a more sure word of prophecy.’ Either way, it is clear that the word of God is superior to even hearing God’s voice. It only makes sense really, because memories fade, but the written word is always there.

What do we do with that light? We pay attention to it. We heed it. It is the only real light in a world that is stuck in darkness. There is no ‘inner spark of light’ in man that offers illumination. The word of God is the only source of light in this present world. God’s word is a lamp for our feet and a light to guide our path. It will guide us through the darkness of this life.

How long do we pay heed to the light of His word? Until the day dawns and Jesus, the bright and morning star rises in our hearts and lives. One day Christ will return and the true Light will be restored. One day darkness will once and for all be defeated. The great and glorious day of His appearing will be here. There will be no moe darkness to dim our paths.

Until then, let us pay heed to the light he has given us in His glorious word!