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In the Word

In the Word

Words of Faith 3-9-2020

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2020

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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2 Peter 1

    [19] And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, 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. [20] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

 

       As Peter wrote of that unforgettable transfiguration experience, he was reminded of another form of God's Word, the written Word, given by the prophets. In fact, God's voice on the mountain made the word of the prophets more certain because the transfiguration pictured the fulfillment of their words. Both the prophets and the transfiguration pointed to Jesus' kingdom on earth.

      Peter exhorted believers in how to derive meaning from God's Word-- pay attention to it.  Our problem not that we lack the Word; it is that we don't really pay attention to it or allow it to light our path.

      Peter used the image of Light. Like a Light, God's written Word has validity and authority. In today's experience-oriented societies, many people, including some Christians, seek to determine or assess truth by the particular way God has worked in their own lives. But for Peter, even the splendor of his experience with Christ at His transfiguration faded as he spoke of the surety of the written revelation of the prophets.

      Peter talked about Light in three ways-- illumination (v. 19), revelation (v. 20), and inspiration (v. 21). Old Testament prophecy is a light compared with the darkness of a squalid room. God's prophetic Word is a Light-- "an oil-burning lamp"-- shining in a dark place lights our way. Though the world is darkened by sin, God's Word points to the future and enlightens believers about His ways. But the Day is coming, at His coming, when lamps are no longer needed.  A lamp is nothing compared with the Morning Star or "Light-Bringer.”  

       Much as a lamp at night anticipates and is outshined by the bright morning star, so Old Testament prophecy looks ahead to the coming of Christ, "the bright Morning Star.” Until He comes, believers are to let the Scriptures illumine their hearts even though the light which it brings on that great day will be greatly exceeded by the understanding which will be in their hearts.

       Peter was clear about the nature of this special revelation. No prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. The prophecies did not originate with the prophets themselves.  The Scriptures did not stem merely from the prophets themselves. Their writings came from God.  The Scriptures' human authors were controlled by the divine Author, the Holy Spirit. Though they were consciously involved in the process, these are the very words of God Himself!

       A New Year is upon us.  What a perfect time to commit to be anchored in the Word of God in this coming year.

 

       Father God, draw me into the Light and nourishment of Your Word.  Make my New Year a year in Your Word and in Your Spirit.  In Jesus' Name.   

 

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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, and our website, and our church app, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2010 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.  

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