2 Peter 1:19 - The Morning Star

When you find yourself in a dark place...

In his second letter, the apostle Peter said that "the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent."  (2 Peter 1:14, New American Standard 1995) Tradition has it that he was crucified. 

Martyrdom still happens, reminding us that the world can be a dark place. So the turmoil of 2020 shouldn't shock us. Disease, famine, war. Such things have happened throughout history. But it begs the question: how do we find our bearings in times of darkness?

Having personally seen Jesus' glory one time (vv.17-18; Luke 9:28-36), Peter could confidently preach about the "precious and magnificent promises" (v.4), including anticipation of "the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v.16) He went on to say, 

"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 Peter 1:19) 

There are several images here:
A dark place--The world systems operating apart from the Kingdom of God.
A lamp--the prophecy that Jesus will return to earth.
The day that dawns--the "eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (v.11)
The morning star is Venus. Other than the moon, it can be the brightest object in the night sky just before dawn. "The Morning Star" is also a name for Jesus. (Revelation 22:16).

Again, "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 Peter 1:19) 

Father, We could be overwhelmed by darkness if it weren't for the promise of Jesus' return. Give us diligence to grow in our faith (vv.5-8) as we wait for the "Morning Star to shine in our hearts" (New Living Translation) In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.