2 Peter: Faith In A Skeptical World Sample

(focuses especially on v. 19)

Having just described the wonderful, early testimony to Christ provided by the Old Testament (celebrated also in 1 Peter 1:10–12), Peter then tells us how we are to treat that Old Testament prophecy. He is probably making an understatement when he then urges that we ‘will do well to pay attention to it’ (v. 19). 

We would do well to pay attention to the way the Old Testament prepares us for Jesus. It prepares us for the line in the Christmas carol ‘Joy to the World’ which says, ‘Let earth receive her King!’ The Coming One, the Messiah, the Servant of the Lord, Emmanuel, King of Israel and ruler over the ends of the earth, the Good Shepherd, born of a virgin in King David’s Bethlehem, the seed of Abraham to bless the world ... He is here! 

If we read the Old Testament without appreciating Jesus Christ, we have missed what it is trying to say. The Gospels speak plainly about what Jesus said and did, but the Old Testament spoke with allusions, prophecy, poetry, imagery and more to progressively and, we might say subtly, prepare the world for her King’s arrival. Without eyes of faith, what God was doing was easy to miss and underestimate. Peter compares the Old Testament to a lamp which brings some light in an otherwise dark place (v. 19). When Jesus does arrive, the Gospels announce it as though the floodlights from heaven are suddenly switched on. Matthew 1:1, Mark 1:1 and John 1:1 are almost too bright to gaze at directly for the person who has been trained by the Old Testament. 

Simeon, for example, held the child Jesus in his arms and burst into praise with Old Testament concepts: ‘my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel’ (Luke 2:30–32; cf., for example, Ps. 98:2; Isa. 42:6; 45:25; 49:6; 52:10). We will do very well (v. 19) if we hear the voice of God about His Son in all of Scripture – like a lamp in the Old Testament, and like overwhelming floodlights in the New Testament. 

By the day dawning and morning star rising in our hearts (v. 19), Peter is probably speaking of the increasing measure of the fullness of light as we appreciate Jesus, who is called ‘the bright Morning Star’ in Revelation 22:16. One day, our increasing knowledge of Him will be wonderfully complete. As Paul taught, ‘Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known’ (1 Cor. 13:12). 

Further light is coming; further treasure awaits our appreciation. The discoveries continue as we grow in knowledge (2 Pet. 1:5), but all will be revealed when Christ returns in power. 

 

Reflection

How well do you enjoy the lamp of the Old Testament as it hints at the wonder of Christ? How could you more intentionally pursue a deeper appreciation of Christ from both Testaments?