The Day Star

For some, it would be out of place to hear the book of Revelation preached in church. Some churches actively avoid the book, as if it were of no value or too terrifying. Indeed, the straight testimony against sin and unrighteousness can be a fearful thing at first sight!

But today’s verse makes it clear that these words were given for edifying the church. And as a token of His authority, Jesus declares Himself to be the “Root and the Offspring of David,” as well as “the Bright and Morning Star.”

The Old Testament proclaimed that the Messiah would come from the line of David: “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isaiah 11:1). The New Testament affirms Christ’s Davidic roots (Matthew 1:1). The multitudes who saw Jesus wondered, “Could this be the Son of David?” (Matthew 12:23). Hence, this message comes from none other than the Anointed One, the King of Israel.

The prophecy God placed in the mouth of Balaam declared, “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult” (Numbers 24:17). While we recognize a fulfillment of this prophecy in the star of Bethlehem, we can see also that the Star that will “destroy all the sons of tumult” is none other than Jesus. “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).

Jesus is not suggesting we make this morning star, commonly called Venus, an object of veneration. We are not called to take up astrology. Israel fell into apostasy when they followed their neighbors in worshiping the host of heaven (2 Kings 17:16). Rather, the morning star reminds us of the true Light that shines from heaven, bringing prophetic truth to our dark world.

Lord Jesus, Son of David, I believe all Scripture begins and ends in You. Like no other, You are the Creator and Redeemer of all.

For Further Study: Numbers 24:17; Matthew 21:9; Luke 1:78, 79

Key Bible Texts

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (Revelation 22:16 KJV)