«We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place» 2 Peter 1:19
IN THE YEAR 66 of our era, Cestius Gallus, Roman governor of the province of Syria, reached the city of Jerusalem with a very specific goal: to resume operations in favor of the emperor. Although at first he was met with fierce opposition, besieging the city began to yield its effects and the rebels began to weaken. However, when the city had almost surrendered, Cestius unexpectedly commanded the Roman troops to withdraw and went back to Syria.
Why did Cestius leave when he had almost gained full control of the situation? Nearly three decades earlier, Jesus had told His followers, «When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her» (Luke 21:20, 21). Cestius’ withdrawal offered those who believed in the Lord’s prophecy the chance to flee the city and thus save their lives.
Eusebius of Caesarea says that same year «the whole body … of the church at Jerusalem, having been commanded by a divine revelation … removed from the city and lived at a certain town beyond the Jordan called While tens of thousands of Jews died during the war, «not a single Christian Jew, mother, father, or child, is known to have died in the terrible death of Jerusalem.»»
For believers in Jerusalem, «the prophetic word confirmed» was like «a light that shines in a dark place» (2 Peter 1:19). When darkness and uncertainty seized the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the prophetic word opened before believers a road that would grant them peace and safety amidst the chaos. As the psalmist said, «Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path» (Psalm 119:105).
Although our world’s outlook seems foreboding, the infallible promises God has given us in His Word will continue to light the darkest moments of our lives, and the prophecies will continue to assure us of the wonderful future that awaits us.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Avineyda Hernández
