Punxsutawney Phil

READ: 2 Peter 1:16-21

We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed. —2 Peter 1:19
Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog that comes out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, each February 2 to predict the weather. According to legend, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of cold weather. If he doesn’t see his shadow, spring will come early.

This is all humbug and good humor, of course. No one to my knowledge takes Phil’s predictions seriously. Furthermore, he’s unreliable—more often wrong than right, I’m told.

There is One, however, who is always right and whom we must take seriously. Peter writes of Him, “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 Peter 1:19).

Peter was thinking of that day on the Mount of Transfiguration with James and John when he saw Jesus standing with the two great prophets of the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah. In that august company of true prophets the Father pointed to the Son and said: “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Luke 9:35). Jesus’ word is a “prophetic word” that is certain!

There is One who is never wrong and who will never lead us astray: our Lord Jesus. We must hear Him! — David H. Roper

At the name of Jesus bowing,
Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in heaven we’ll crown Him
When our journey is complete. —Baxter


In a world full of speculation, only God’s Word is certain.