“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star” (Revelation 22:16 NLT).
As John reported the occasion and purpose of writing the book of Revelation in chapter one, so now at its conclusion, he reminds us again. Jesus appeared to him and sent an angel to show to him the “events that must soon take place” (Rev. 1:1). And John was instructed that this “message” was given to him for “the churches.”
This book was written to the church for the church. It was not to be ignored nor considered too hard to understand. It was written to reveal both the person of Christ in all His glory and the future plans of Christ for His Church.
It is a book that records the testimony of the One who said, “I am the Root and Offspring of David.” He is the Divine “I AM,” the name God first revealed to Moses (Ex. 3:14). He is the “Root” of David, in other words, He is the “Source” or Creator from whence not only David, but all humanity came. He is the “Offspring” of David, having been born into the line of David as it was foretold, fulfilling the Messianic promise and becoming the “heir” to David’s throne.
And He is “the Bright and Morning Star.” Those who arise early in the morning, just before the sun rises, know of a bright star that appears in the East. Today, we know this star to be the planet Venus. It outshines every star in the sky just before sunrise. Christ’s use of this title points to several of His divine attributes. For He is the bright light that guides us in the last hours of this world’s darkness. His morning light gives us hope that the sun will soon rise and He shall soon return. His star is so beautiful that it gives us great joy to look upon it. He makes us glad.
Let us continue to read and meditate upon this great Revelation of Jesus Christ! He gave this revelation to John for the church!
PRAYER: Dear Father, this is the last day of 2023. As we look back on it, help us to see it through Your eyes. We want to view our history through Your lens of grace and truth. Help us to live in this day for You, knowing that tomorrow and 2024 is in Your hands. Help us walk in Your revealing Light. In Jesus’ name, amen.