144. REV 22:16. THE MORNING STAR
Rev_22:16. The Morning Star
"The bright and morning star."’97Rev_22:16.
Language utterly fails to set forth the dignity, beauty, and preciousness of Christ. The inspired writers, therefore, selected the most striking figures and emblems, that this deficiency in language might, in some respects, be remedied. Hence, objects associated with both the earth and heavens, are employed to exhibit him to our view. He is the "Rose of Sharon," the "Lily of the Valley," and the "Plant of Renown." He is a rock’97a refuge’97and a strong tower. He is compared to the light of heaven’97the orb of the day’97and in our text, he says "I am the bright and morning star."
Let us,
I. Consider Christ as a Star.
Now it must be observed, that the metaphor relates to Christ in his subordinate of mediatorial character. As such, Christ may be likened to a star;
1. Because the rays or beams of the eternal Sun are thrown upon him.
As the star or planet has thrown upon it the light of the sun, so all the glorious rays of Deity were shed down upon the person of the Saviour. Hence, he who had seen the Son, had also seen the Father. Hence, Christ declared or revealed God to men: "He was the brightness of his Father’s glory, and express image of his person." "God manifest in the flesh;" Joh_1:8; Heb_1:3. All the rays of divine knowledge’97of divine truth and purity’97of divine goodness and mercy, were concentrated in the person of Christ. He may be likened to a star,
2. Because he reflects and sheds abroad the light which he received from the Father.
The light thrown upon the star is not absorbed or lost; but it is reflected and diffused through the sphere or system of which that star may be the sun or centre. Now, Jesus, in the capacity of mediator, received all the rays of the blessed and adorable Godhead, that he might spread them abroad. Hence, his rays were diffused wherever he went. He said, "I am the light of the world;" and he manifested, by his holy beams, the misery and helplessness of our world’97the love and compassion of God in redeeming it’97and the way by which all the blessings of redemption, both in time and in eternity, might be enjoyed. Yes: he brought life and immortality to light by his gospel; he opened a clear pathway to eternal glory.
But let us consider Christ,
II. As the bright and morning Star.
The morning star is that planet which ushers in the dawn of the morning; with its appearance night terminates and day begins. Now, Jesus will appear as the bright and morning star,
1. As he ushered in the day of our world’s creation.
The night of chaotic darkness and confusion fled at his approach. He stepped forth, and bade light appear, and light was. He created all things by the word of his power; and the world we inhabit owes its existence to his wisdom, power, and love; Joh_1:3; Heb_1:2; Col_1:16.
2. As he ushered in the day of our world’s hope of deliverance from sin.
Sin brought darkness, and desolation, and wo, and death into our world. Had not Deity interposed, there would have been one dreary and endless night of misery and despair. But when all seemed lost, a ray of light was seen, and it proved to be a ray from the "bright and morning star;" and then it was announced, man should not be a child of darkness and eternal night, but that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head; Gen_3:15. As the morning star,
3. He ushered in the day of our world’s actual redemption.
Yes: in the fulness of the times, this heavenly star appeared’97illumined the land of Judea’97brought light and life into our world’97and threw open the doors of liberty, and happiness, and salvation to the captive, miserable, perishing sons of men.
Hence, Zacharias sang: "Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us," &c.; Luk_1:78.
4. He introduces spiritual day into the believer’s heart.
Mind naturally dark; children of night; but when Christ shines on the mind, then they become the children of the day and of light; the glory of the Lord having arisen upon them; 2Pe_1:19.
"He is my soul’s bright morning star;
And he, my rising sun."
5. He will usher in the day of our earth’s millennial glory.
That glorious day spoken of by the prophets, predicted by Jesus, and so often referred to by the apostles, will commence, when He shall appear the second time without a sin-offering, in all his glory; as king of Zion’97as the avenger of the ungodly’97as the bridegroom of his church’97as the resurrection of the saints’97and as the earth’s Prince and Lord, who shall live and reign in the midst, of his people a thousand years; 2Th_1:7-10; 2Pe_3:8-14; Revelation 19, Revelation 20.
6. He will usher in the great and blessed day of eternity.
When all other sources of light will be unnecessary’97when all darkness with respect to his saints will he forever annihi-lated’97"The Lamb will be the light thereof," forever and ever; Rev_21:23-26
Application
Wandering, benighted sinner, lift up thine eyes, and behold this bright and morning star! Follow its radiant beams, and it will lead thee to happiness and eternal life, Penitent inquirer, open thy heart, and receive what God is offering thee; for he says: "I will give him the morning star;" Rev_2:28. Believers, walk in its light’97gaze intensely upon it’97look to it at all times, and it shall guide thee to the realms of blissful and unending day.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS