Read the Book: April - JuneSample

Week 17

2 Peter 1

A Light Shining

How many of us struggle with doubt? It’s not a popular topic to talk about, especially in a circle of Christians. If we’re being transparent, we’d rather others see the polished-up version of our Christian walk and witness the confidence of our total belief in every word of Scripture. We don’t want to share what we struggle with in dark places: the doubt, the skepticism, the insecurity of unbelief.

Peter knows at this point that his time on earth is coming to an end (v. 1:14). Rather than sorrow, Peter is filled with a holy passion for the early church to be fully armed with the Truth. Peter was desperate for his readers to understand that their faith was not based on myth or made-up stories. Peter wants them to see their faith is based not only on what he and others had witnessed but solidly on the inerrant truth of God’s Word. 

He follows with the thrilling story of the day he, James, and John witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 16:28-17:9). That moment cherished by Peter was a prophetic glimpse into Jesus’ coming glory. But as magnificent as witnessing the transfiguration was, Peter wants the early church to focus not just on what they know as fact, but on the solid foundation that is God’s Word. “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 (v. 19).”

Peter points his readers to the infallibility of Scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit. When we have doubts delivered by the dark world we live in or when we struggle with unbelief (like the man in Mark 9:24), we can turn to the inspired Word of God. Peter wants us to understand that Scripture is not a product of human creativity, but that it is God-breathed, reliable, and it will guide us to the truth. It is—Jesus is—the light shining in a dark place.

Family Connection: Who does God say you are? Read 1 Peter 1:9. How does knowing who God says you are change how you live? How does it change how you respond when things are hard? How can it encourage you to tell others about Jesus? Get a dry erase marker and write 2 Peter 1:9 on your mirrors to remind your family of their identity in Jesus this week?