The Bright and Morning Star

When I get up on clear mornings, my spirit is pierced by the beauty of a single bright star throbbing like a living diamond in the dark pre-dawn sky. It always reminds me of Christ, the bright and morning star.

This is an appellation that Christ gave Himself with His penultimate words to believers: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star” (Rev. 22:16). An earlier use of the same title also clearly refers to Christ (Rev. 2:28).

The context of these terms in the book of Revelation creates an association with Christ’s victorious return and believers' share in that victory. In More Than Conquerors, William Hendriksen writes, “As the morning star rules the heavens, so believers will rule with Christ; they will share in His royal splendour and domination. The star is always the symbol of royalty, being linked with the scepter (Nu. 24:17; cf. Mt. 2:2)” (p. 73).

In one of the most delightful moments of Old Testament history, Balaam is unable to curse Israel, but instead prophesies of the coming King of Kings:

I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; (Nu. 24:17a).

The star that signifies Christ’s birth very literally fulfills that prophecy and brings the first adoration from the nations to His feet. That star and the brilliance of the angels above the shepherds' fields faded, but God in His great mercy has hung a more permanent star in the heavens to remind His people of Christ’s second advent when all the nations will worship at His feet.

That star pierces the darkness of our pre-dawn existence and rekindles the hope of His return. Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord!