Jesus The Bright Morning Star
Scripture:2 Peter 1:12-19 (NRSV)
Therefore, I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So, we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
Interesting Facts:
The second letter of Peter is thought to have been written after Peter’s death with the writer attributing the words to Peter, which was widely accepted at that time when creating ‘testaments’ of great figures. Considered written between 80 -90 C.E.
Peter is defending his honor, being accused by his opponents that he was lying about the future coming of Christ.
Verses 16-18 refer to Jesus’ Transfiguration before Peter, James, and John and was met by Moses and Elijah. (Matt 17:1-8)
The morning star is Christ at his coming in glory.
Ponder:
Have there been times when you have had to defend your faith? What was that like for you?
Where else does God say to Jesus, “You are my beloved in whom I am well pleased?” Does this remind you perhaps of the conversation with Nicodemus? How so?
There is also reference to a lamp shining in a dark place. How can we be this lamp until the morning star rises in our hearts?
If we follow the thread through the week from Abraham to Jesus’ Birth, Jesus’ ministry, and the message of his disciples, what stands out to you? What links these stories together and what themes do you find in them?