“Until the Day dawns, and Christ the
Morning Star shines in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).
The main theme of Peter's message is
stated here, to pay attention to Christ. Have you ever wondered about
situations you have faced with faith and confidence in the past but now,
somehow you have misplaced that confidence or knowledge? Perhaps you once stood
firm in your faith in Christ, but the situations that we encounter now, most
especially with this Covid 19 and stresses of life have distracted you. Or
perhaps you have started to believe in teachings that burn your interests and
emotions but are not rooted in Scripture. Peter is seeking to point his people
and us back to what they and we once knew. He reminds us of the significance
and relevance of Christ. He also reaffirms to them his authority as an
eyewitness and a personal disciple of Jesus Himself. This reminder is to a
church that has slipped from truth to what is new and fleeting. We all need
reminders from people in our lives who are mentors and good examples, and we
need to be on guard against those who seek to hinder us from His Word and Truth.
We are called to work hard, powerfully,
and with meaning concerning His Truth. Peter warns of the power and influence
of personal attitudes people have made up for themselves that make us feel good
and give us a sense of accomplishment when we "discover" them. What
Peter has taught has not been made up. Jesus is real and is Power; He is the
real Truth! And, Christ is coming again! The message from Peter and the
Prophets was not manmade or clever logical wisdom; rather, it came from God
Himself.
Peter points out that the Prophets
preached and wrote to an audience in darkness and despair and who would not be
convicted. He feels the same, as his words are shining in the dark. Perhaps,
you feel your efforts are the same, but being faithful does not always mean
having results. We are all called to be the bright light of His Light shining
in us. We are to realize our place and in humility realize He chooses to use
our weak nonsense to excite and prepare others to apply His precepts and call!
God is the deliverer; we are the receivers. We are to receive in humbleness.
God's Word does not come from us, but it is moved into us by the Holy Spirit
and then proclaimed by us! The writers of the Bible were human authors who were
used by God. They actively spoke His Word as they recorded. How shameful for us
to seek to twist and manipulate His Word for our own agenda!
Our growth in Christ has value! Real,
impacting, growing faith requires our diligence. Thus, we are asked to rekindle
our Christian growth as an ongoing effort and apply His Truth so our hearts
become centered upon Him. Just think what self-control, patience, endurance,
godliness, and love would do for you and those close to you! Our failure to
obey God will cause us to lose out on so much in life and in eternity. Our
diligence to remain faithful and obedient with virtue will help enable others
to do so. When we obey God, He will reward us beyond our ability to understand!
Let’s remember the word of God always, and remind each other of it. And let’s
pay attention to Jesus’ words until the day dawns and the morning star rises in
our hearts not only today but every day. Amen.
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