GOD IS LIGHT

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)

Devotion 14 of 22

THE WORD OF GOD

The Word of God is described as a "light" and a "lamp." "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psa 119:105). Moral illumination is found in Scripture that assists us in distinguishing between good and evil. More than that, God and Christ are irradiated there.

The Word of God, particularly the Gospel, is like a "light that shineth in a dark place" (2 Pet 1:19). It identifies the enemy, the course, and our destination. It defines righteousness and unrighteousness. It tells us where required resources can be found, and how to appropriate them. Above all this, it shows us our Father and our Savior, making them understandable, and thus accessible, to us. Truly, it is a light.

The Word of God is perceived, however, only within the influence of the Greater Light, which is the Lord Himself. Peter prescribes an approach to understanding the "more sure word of prophecy." We do well to give due attention to it. "And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts" (2 Pet 1:19, NASB).

Do not miss the significance of this passage! The "prophetic word" we have received has been "made more sure," i.e., is "more fully confirmed" (NRSV). That word, Peter writes, was spoken on the "holy mount," when Jesus was transfigured. Peter was there with James and John when it happened. "For He received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount" (2 Pet 1:17-18).

The day that word was spoken from heaven, the disciples did not fully comprehend it. However, Peter says this is a different day. The word spoken by God is fulfilled now, and He is speaking to humanity through an exalted Christ. As it is written, "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds" (Heb 1:1-2, NKJV). But this is not the end of the matter.

One might suppose that a "more fully confirmed" word of prophecy would be relatively easy to understand--i.e., that its essential message and implications are obvious. Peter does not say this. He counsels us to pay close attention to it--to let it permeate our hearts and minds. Dwell upon it, and let it dominate your mind.

And what will be the outcome of such a procedure? What will happen if you think upon the word of the Gospel, pondering the Savior it announces and His promises, together with the declaration of His accomplishments? You will be brought to the greater Light --"until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts."

And what caused that "day to dawn?" How is it that the "Morning Star" arose in your heart, bringing joy and gladness to it? Was it your diligence? Your will? Your historical or language expertise? As much as these may have entered into the process, they did not bring the blessing! It was God Who shed the light upon you, and it is God Himself that is to be thanked!

Truly, in His light, you were enabled to see light!
The day could not dawn in your heart without the intervention of God, and the Day Star could not rise in your heart independently of heavenly involvement. The people of God have every reason by be joyfully thankful for what they see!

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I thank you for a glorious Gospel that yields such a marvelous benefit when it is given due heed.

-- Tomorrow: KNOWLEDGE AND REVELATION --