“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19 NIV).
The Apostle Peter’s counsel to “pay attention” to the Biblical prophets is just as applicable today as it was when he first penned those words. However, this cautionary message held special significance for Peter’s original audience in light of the dangers posed by the false teachers of his era. Peter thus lays the foundation for the message he will deliver in the second chapter of this epistle. That foundation is twofold:
- Familiarity with God’s Word is critically important.
- We must pay attention to what the inspired prophets (and other Biblical authors) wrote.
Peter used an intriguing word picture to emphasize this idea by comparing these prophetic writings to a shining light in a place filled with darkness. For instance, it is unwise to descend upon the steps that lead to a darkened basement without some form of illumination. In a similar manner, the Word of God serves to illuminate our lives, as well as the world around us.
Jesus made use of a similar, self-descriptive analogy on several occasions…
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life'” (John 8:12).
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going” (John 12:35).
“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46).
Nevertheless, this passage also reminds us that we have little need of illumination after the dawn breaks, for the light of day overcomes the darkness of night. That dawn is heralded by the morning star, a title that is fittingly applied to Jesus Himself (see Revelation 22:16). So, just as the emergence of the day dispels the darkness, the presence of Christ serves as a “…a light shining in a dark place.” Thus, we would do well to remember the message of John 1:4-5…
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”