A New Day

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:” 2 Peter 1:19

There is no better time than to be outdoors when the day breaks. Just before dawn everything is dark and quiet. It is as if there is no life. But then all of a sudden birds began to sing, squirrels are scampering from tree to tree, the dogs start to bark, and lights are being turned on. It is as if everything has just come to life. Every morning is a reminder that through the death of Jesus, we have passed from darkness into light, or as he said in John 5:24, “From death to life.”

Peter is referring to the surety of the word. He says that its value is greater than any experience because it is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is enduring in its scope. Its purpose was not to be used for ones on private interpretation but was meant to bring the knowledge of Jesus Christ into the heart of the one who believes. Once it is sent forth, whosoever receives it becomes enlightened to the truths of the Gospel.

Paul tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The method is by the foolishness of preaching or proclaiming the word. (Logos in Greek) When the word was proclaimed by the apostles in the Book of Acts, many were converted under their preaching. Psalms 119:160 “The entrance of thy word giveth light, it gives understanding unto the simple.” Once an unbeliever receives the Gospel, “The light shines into the darkness, and the darkness cannot overtake it.” (John 1:5)

Peter was made aware of his denials just before the breaking of dawn. Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed, he would deny him three times. At that third denial the rooster obeyed, and it not only signaled that new day had dawned, but that Peter was cowardly and weak. But the message of the rooster not only brought awareness to Peter’s failure, but it also awakened Peter to the love and mercy of God. It was at that moment that he looked into the face of Jesus and recognized his failure, but also remembered Jesus’ words that he was praying for him that “His faith does not fail. (Luke 22:32) This was the beginning of a new day for Peter where he would walk in the light of the Lord.

Have you ever experienced the light of God's word shining into the darkness of your heart? Have you ever passed from death unto life? Paul said that “We were dead in trespasses and sin.” (Ephesians 2:1) He also said that “The god of this world had blinded the minds of men.” (2 Corinthians 4:3) Many today can’t see or understand the Gospel because their foolish hearts are darkened. But the remedy for sin and death has been given to man from God in the person of his son Jesus Christ. All we have to do is look to him. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Malachi said the Malachi 4:2 “The Son of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings.” It is Christ who is risen that brings us out of the darkness of sin into the light of everlasting life. Once this is done, then you and and I become the light of the world. Let the light of his glory shine through you today!

Pastor Robby