“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well to take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise, in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19
The order in which Greek words occur does not always correspond with the way in which English is spoken. So it is here. The “dark place” is “in our hearts”, where we have need of prophetic illumination. Hence it would be better to translate as follows – “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well to take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, in your hearts, until the day dawn, and the day star arise.”
The word UNTIL always has some reference to the future. It may be likened to a “day star”, or a “dawn”, the beginning of something new. That which is past has been the time for preparations, but now everything is ready, and the word goes forth for change.
Peter admonishes us. “You do well to take heed”. The Bible is full of prophecy. I’ve read that some 30% of all Scripture is prophetic. That may well be so, and the majority of it still awaits fulfilment. How important it is for us to read, study, and pray about the prophetic word, that we may be ready for what God has in store.
Peter then tells us that our hearts are like a dark place, a place that needs constant illumination, prophetic illumination, whereby we may be built up, prepared, and made ready for when the Master calls.
Because the day WILL dawn, and the day star WILL arise. God’s Kingdom WILL begin. He who is the “bright and morning star” (Rev.22:16) WILL return for His little flock, and we must be ready for His coming.
