And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, 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. (2Pe 1:19 NIV)
The holy apostles knew quite a bit concerning Christ’s power and future by reading and listening to the ancient prophecies in the books of the holy Prophets. Yet when these prophecies were actually fulfilled and the power and future of Christ was present in their midst, they saw much more than they had bargained for. The Lord took them along onto the holy Mountain and was transfigured before them. They could listen in on him talking about his glorious consummation with Moses and Elijah and they were made privy to the supreme Father’s testimonial concerning his beloved son. All this confirmed the prophecies of old. Thus the apostles were assured most firmly that their Lord Jesus Christ was indeed the promised one and that they were not to expect somebody else later on surpassing him ever.
In this way the divine experience emphasized the prophetic witness as the prophetic message had pointed them to Jesus Christ in the first place. History agreed with the prophecy and the prophecy illuminated history in its full, divine light.
O Lord Jesus Christ! Grant that your word lead and guide us, that it comfort us and give us all true love towards your word and dedicated faithfulness to read, study and learn it, so that we may always and eternally rejoice in it. Grant us your peace this night and day and your strength and grace for our work and calling in the morning. Amen. (Hermann Bezzel)
The dear old sun’s light and glory has run it’s course and the world has gone rest. O soul do now, what you’re supposed to do: Go to heaven’s door and sing a song fixing your eyes, heart and mind on Jesus Christ.
You lovely stars shine bright and clear, you fill the night with light. Still my Jesus – the eternal celestial torch – shines a thousand times brighter in my heart. He is my soul’s fame, my protection, my treasure and my very own. (Christian Scriver, 1629-1693: Literal, not poetic translation)
(Translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Tuesday after the 6th Sunday after Epiphany as found on Pg. 91 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu! (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and puplished in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.)
