LIGHT OF THE PROPHETIC WORD

“And so we have the PROPHETIC WORD confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place...” – 2 Peter 1:19a

Praise God! This Eight Month of our Year of Divine Light and Life is the Month of LIGHT of the PROPHETIC WORD: “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 1:19). Peter was referring primarily to the Old Testament prophecies on the Coming of the Lord. This truth however applies to God’s Prophetic Word at all times, including Today! The powerful coming of the Lord Jesus is not a myth. To Peter, Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain previewed the Power and Glory He’ll literally ultimately come with. It confirmed what the prophets saw about His coming; hence, we must pay attention to the lamp-like illumination they give in this darkness until the prophesied dawn (v.19).

The “dark place” aptly describes the world’s spiritual and moral atmosphere. There is a bleak outlook over the world. These are not the days of spirited revival or faithfulness. Society is full of unrighteousness, violence, and injustice. There is a growing sense that deceit, iniquity, and godlessness are gaining ground. Truth and uprightness are discouraged in the public squares. Many have strayed far from the Lord. From the church to the world, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness pervade. The perspective of Scripture is clear: It’s indeed nighttime, but it’s the dark before the dawn. Yes, the world is in a dark place, but the day will dawn (Isa.59: 15-21). We may moan in our hearts and long for clarity, but Jesus the Morning Star will arise with unstoppable light in our hearts. Every shadow will flee. Creation will be set free from futility.

How can we last? What can we do until that day? We’ll do well to pay attention to the prophetic word as to a lamp shining in a dark place. His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psa.119:.105). The prophets provide snapshots and visions of what the coming day will be like. Heaven has received Jesus, until it’s time to restore all things about which God spoke by His holy prophets long ago (Acts 3:21). Peter’s encouragement should lead us to re-visit the prophets with childlike wonder. We should let their calls for repentance stir us, and their visions of restoration warm our hearts, energize our minds, and fill us with hope as we await our Lord’s eternal Kingdom.

These were Peter’s “Closing Remarks” (vv.12-15). And, he affirmed that the prophecies came, not from human imaginative interpretation but from God’s inspiration. Men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (vv.20-21). For us who believe, God remains Prophetic, and that’s our Spiritual Adventure this month, as His Spirit leads – to heed to the Prophetic Word as to a lamp.