“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16)

In today’s vernacular, we sometimes refer to an exceptionally gifted youth as a “rising young star.” Christ as a child certainly was that, but He was much more. Speaking in this revelation to the apostle John, Jesus is the exalted Christ, who is now seated at the throne of the Majestic Glory. He is no longer a child, yet He calls Himself the “bright morning star.” What do we make of this?

First of all, we notice that he is speaking to “you,” which in the original language is plural, indicating that the message is to all the churches of Revelation, and by extension to all Christians today. Whatever we say about the book of the Revelation with all its prophecy, we must acknowledge it is written to all churches, not just to a future people for a future time. He is now the bright morning star, not just in the future to someone else.

The second thing we notice is the distinctive use of “I am” to identify Himself. In his account of the gospel, the apostle John used that phrase very specifically to reflect on the divine name Yahweh of the OT. In the book of Revelation, he uses the phrase three times: in Revelation 1:8, 1:17 and here in 22:16. (While in our English versions, “I am,” occurs also in Revelation 22:13, the underlying Greek phrase is different than the idiosyncratic Johannine phrase “ego eimi,” translated “I am”). Divine implications are unmistakable.

The title “bright morning star” is coupled with the description “the root and descendant of David.” This is a Messianic title with militaristic overtones, alluding to Isaiah 11:1 and 10. Most telling, though, is the description during Moses’ time of the future deliverer of Israel:

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come forth from Jacob, a scepter shall rise from Israel, and shall crush through the forehead of Moab, and tear down all the sons of Sheth. (Num 24:17).

Jesus Christ is the “star” who will lead me over the enemy of my soul. He is the one of whom Peter wrote:

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19)

Lord, You have arisen in my heart as the Bright Morning Star, for the Light of the World has shone into my life – and now I can see!