Tuesday: The Morning Star in Our Hearts
“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Pet. 1:19, NKJV). Read this text carefully. What is Peter saying that is so important to us, even today?
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Here, as we can see in many places in the Bible (Gen. 1:4, John 1:5, Isa. 5:20, Eph. 5:8), a division is made between light and darkness. For Peter the Word of God shone like a light in a “dark” place (some translate the word dark as “squalid,” “dirty,” as well). That’s why he’s so clear that we need to take “heed” to that light, to follow it until “the day dawns and the morning star rises in [our] hearts.” We are fallen beings, living in a fallen and dark world. We need the supernatural power of God to lead us out of this darkness and to the light, and that light is Jesus.
Peter is pointing his readers to a goal. Some believe that the expression “until the day dawns” refers to the second coming of Jesus. Though that’s certainly our ultimate hope, the idea of the “morning star” rising in your hearts sounds more immediate and more personal. The “morning star” refers to Jesus (Rev. 2:28, Rev. 22:16). His rising in their hearts seems to be about knowing Jesus, fully taking hold of Him and experiencing the reality of the living Christ in their own individual lives. Jesus shouldn’t be just a doctrinal truth; He should be the center of our existence and source of our hope and faith. So Peter is establishing a clear link between studying the Word of God and having a saving relationship with Jesus, the “morning star.”
And of course, with the light shining in us, we will spread it to others. “The whole earth is to be illuminated with the glory of God’s truth. The light is to shine to all lands and all peoples. And it is from those who have received the light that it is to shine forth. The day-star has risen upon us, and we are to flash its light upon the pathway of those in darkness.” – Ellen G. White, Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, p. 220.
| How does your own study of the Word help you to come to know Jesus better? |
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I think that the way we can allow the "Daystar" to arise in our hearts is to permit the Holy Spirit to replace the darkness of our selfishness with the light of the Love of God for our motivation for everything we think and feel.
If we think and feel like Jesus would by the same Spirit that motivates Him we will act the same way He would act in any given situation. This will develop the character of God in us which is the Glory of God which will shine from our faces and will be evident in all that we do. This is the shining of the glory of God ("Daystar") within our hearts and then through us to the world.
Dear Don, I am looking at a prize! All I want is this prize. All I do is thinking about this prize! My goal is to achieve this prize. My life is totally dedicated to win this prize. Am I worried about the prize or about winning? Is this a competition with others or with myself?
Both
JC,I think it depends on your motivation to get the prize. Is it true Love from God or is it the natural selfishness from your heart? This determines whether you will receive the prize.
Dear Zielak, I am looking for Jesus. Psalms 70:4. I desire Christ above all. Psalms 73:25.
I keep my mind on Him always, for peace of mind. Isaiah 26:3. I love Him because He is my only way of achieving salvation. 1 Peter 1:8. Romans 3:21-26. My life is dedicated to Him. I sing the song: Live for Jesus, live for Jesus, give Him all thou hast to give. On the cross the Worlds Redeemer gave His life that thou might live. I have no concern He is mine. Isaiah 43:1
Comparing me to Don, has been replaced with Christ righteousness. Psalms 85:10. I can say with Paul, I have finished the race, henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Now, enough has been given for you to answer your last question yourself.
JC Zeilak, I have often struggled with similar thoughts, more so in light of the following quote from EGW:
"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him." {DA 480.3}. And then I read Paul's statement, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing." (2 Tim. 4:7-8, NIV).
And I realize the importance of examining my motives for being a Christian and constantly trusting the Lord.
I agree with your interpretation as it matches mine. This refers to the time when we are baptized with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit fills us and takes over and helps us obey God and be like Jesus. Amen
To live daystar is living like him so that others can see that, that it's not you but him because of HIS living lifestyle ....wilma
Each day we talk about Jesus and try to have that consistent communion with Him, then we are helping to make Him known to others who we are and Whom we belong to. When we study God's words daily and try to live that specific life then we are building the relationship that will let us stick closer to Him than "white on rice" and than even a brother.
Of course Jesus is the Bright Morning Star. Very cool name! The study is talking about dark places. I do not think it is talking about earth Realestate places only. It's mostly talking about the places in the mind. The thoughts we think and the words we say. It's also talking about fruit. But this fruit is not an apple or some one you led to Christ. It's a characteristic that we work on to make part of our everyday life. It's Jesus thoughts and his character that we bring to every human mind in the planet earth.
EGW says that "The closer you (we) come to JESUS, the more FAULTY you (we) will appear in your (our) own eyes for your (our) vision will be clearer and your (our) imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to HIS PERFECT NATURE." JESUS is THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. HE is also THE MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY, THE DAY STAR and THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR and via HIS HOLY SPIRIT HE shows us where we are lacking in being and becoming like HIM. And HE is the one that Micah 7:18 says that, "...HE DELIGHTS IN MERCY."
Amen Pete. I affirm the statement you quote from EGW,realistically it is true. Only when we have an intimate relationship with God then will be able to see clearly our fault and imperfections. The key word is "having an intimate relationship" with God, not a "par-time relationship". Therefore, we need to daily seek the lord and medidate upon his word then we will becomelike him and will be able to reflect the image of God to those whom we will come in contact with him.
I believe that what Peter is saying here is that when the word of God shines through to our dark hearts and illuminates our hearts, and we experience the reality of Christ in our lives, we are to now brighten the path of those who have not yet received the light of His word.
Yes, Delly, when God's Love shines through us we are automatically able to love others and to lighten the way of salvation for them. We don't have to push for this to happen. It is our soul's desire to share the Love and the Glory of God with all those we cross paths with.
It will be our greatest joy to love others and to benefit them as God blesses us.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!
I believe love for God can help us walk with Him. Because of what He had accomplished for you. It's not because of heaven, for it's just a reward if you love to the end. Let us ask Him for that love to love Him as He loved us. Maranatha!
i believe in LOVE right im in that situation my husband hates me but i LOVE him so much because the tex straighten me is-
Romans 15:13 New International Version (NIV)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. WILMA
It was the sure word of prophecy that gave me confidence in Jesus and the scripture over 40 years ago. The light replaced the darkness I felt. Darkness doesn't exist. It is simply the absence of light There are many out there who don't have the light and live in darkness....May Bright Morning Star glow through our lives and actions.