DAWN
Little children, scared by nightmares or ?hidden monsters?, are often relieved by the rising of the sun. It allows them to see the world around them and to realize there are no "monsters" under the bed or in the closet. How beautiful is the idea expressed by God concerning those who become Christians. They leave the power of darkness and come to the kingdom of God's dear Son (Colossians 1:13). Have you ever stepped out from a house or a building in the sunlight and find yourself almost blinded by the brightness of the sun? So it is with men coming to Christ, the arising of faith in Jesus is a gradual process that dispels the darkness.
Those who come to Christ desiring to be His followers are described as newborn babes (I Peter 2:2). The Christian life is then characterized as one of growth. Some grow slower than others but no mistake in judgment should be made in this area. Even though, for some, the growth rate is slower, all who follow Christ must grow (II Peter 1:5-7). Failure to do so results in the individual being described as a "blind man that cannot see afar off"(II Peter 1:9). Again the idea is expressed of light and darkness.
The brethren at Laodicea had lost their way. What was the remedy? They were to anoint their eyes with eye salve in order that they may see (Revelation 3:18). This solution is presented in view of the fact that one of their problems in being lukewarm was that they were "blind". The medicine applied to the eyes is the idea that the eye problem could be cleared up. Think now of the metaphor which Jesus is using here. If the infection clears up, more light comes in and things can get back to where they should be.
Peter uses the theme of prophecy in the second letter that he wrote by inspiration. He declares that we now have something that is more sure than prophecy (II Peter 1:19). The more sure "Word" as Peter calls it is the fulfilling of prophecy that was brought about by Jesus, His work, the church and the validating of Scripture through miracles, wonders and signs (Acts 2:22,23). Peter then calls upon Christians to take heed to that sure "Word". It is something one can build their faith on. The confidence that comes from obeying the Word and seeing the blessings that flow from that obedience.
Watch now as Peter explains the growth rate of the Christian faith. It is like a light shining in a dark place. It shines until the ?day dawns? and the Day Star arises in the heart (II Peter 1:19). As one then adds to their faith through a study of the Scriptures and applying the Scripture, more light continues to come in. God?s way is always a way of revelation. Yes, at one time there was a mystery but now that mystery has been made known (Ephesians 3:5,6). God desires for men to know the truth that can set them free (John 8:32). John tells us in the Revelation that in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, that the mystery of God should be finished (Revelation 10:7).
He further adds that this is according to what the prophets had declared (revealed). The prophets then spoke of a time when the family of God would be composed of both Jews and Gentiles. This was accomplished by the preaching of the gospel (Romans 1:16,17). Since that mystery has been finished by allowing the Gentiles into the family of God, we are now in the days of the voice of the seventh angel. The book of Revelation closes by telling us that these things "must shortly be done." (Revelation 22:6).
Think of how many people are living in fear even at this moment because of the false teaching about the rapture and the 1,000 year reign of Christ on the earth. The little child's fears are allayed when the sun arises. When truth begins to enter the human heart then doubts must exit. In a world so filled with doubts and uncertainty, we as Christians have a wonderful message. God had not given us the spirit of bondage again to fear but has given us the Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15).
May the day dawn for all of us and our knowledge of God ever increase.