January 2
“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.
We have come to the close of the Christmas and holiday season. We directed our attention to the ancient truths revealed and preserved for us in Holy Scripture. Repeatedly, we must remind ourselves that the record about the birth of Jesus is the truth about the real meaning and message of Christmas. It is not just a story that interests children and adults.
However, in dealing with people, we have to contend with those who want to join in outward celebrations and who just want some days off with pay. However, they do not believe that the Christmas miracle – the virgin-born birth of Jesus – is an historical fact. Their unbelief is nothing new.
The apostle Peter writes about the same situation in his day. He was writing especially for people who would live after his death. He wrote, “I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” Then he went on to say, “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,” 2 Peter 1:15-16.
Peter and the other disciples were eyewitnesses of what actually happened. By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they recorded the facts, which the cynics, atheists, unbelievers, scoffers, and doubters have never been able to disprove, nor will they ever be able to do so!
In our text for today, Peter says, “We have the prophetic Word confirmed.” We have the record of the Old Testament prophecies and the record of their fulfillment in the New Testament, which confirms what was recorded by the prophets. We have the confirmed Word of God in Holy Scripture, and Peter adds that we do well if we believe this Word and trust in the truths that God has preserved for us and all people.
Spiritually, we are in the dark. When you are in the dark, you look and long for a light. In God’s Word, we have the light that will enlighten us and give us hope and peace, not only for this life, but also for the life that is to come. Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, as He Himself said, and as it is recorded in both the Old and New Testament. He is the Morning Star that shines into our hearts with the message of God’s love and forgiveness. Jesus, the Son of God, fulfilled the will of God the Father, and He paid the price for our salvation. He fulfilled the Commandments where we fail, and He took our sins upon Himself and washed them away on Calvary’s cross. In spirit, stand at the foot of the cross, and, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us . . . Now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is,” 1 John 3:1-2.
Yes, look forward to the day when you will see Jesus, in whom you believe and trust!
Jesus, lead Thou on, till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand, to our fatherland.
Jesus, lead Thou on, till our rest is won.
Heav’nly Leader, still direct us,
Still support, control, protect us,
Till we safely stand, in our fatherland. Amen.