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John, the beloved apostle, was exiled to the island of Patmos. Little did
John know that Jesus Himself would pay a visit there. Read the whole
account in Revelation 1. As Jesus concludes His discourse with John, He
says of Himself, "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify unto you these
things in the churches, I am the root and offspring of David, and the
Bright and Morning Star." (Rev. 22:16) We will explore how He gives
brightness and meaning to our lives.
In Luke we read the story of the first Christmas. Christmas is about the
special Gift from God, arriving into the darkness of sin, suppression and
suffering. Isaiah's prophecy of Jesus' coming to our world states, "For unto
us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon
His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty
God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:7 KJV).
1. Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star, overcomes darkness (Isaiah 9:2)
2. Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star, reveals what is in the darkness
(John 3:18-21).
3. Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star, gives direction to those who will walk
in His light. (John 8:12; 1 John 1:7).
Jack Hayford and Dick Eastman in their book, Living and Praying in Jesus'
Name have given some special insights to Jesus' title of Bright and
Morning Star. The Greek word for star is aster and is combined
with bright and morning.
When we refer to Christ's Brightness we think of his dominance, morning
reminds us of His newness and freshness. Hayford and Eastman state, "When
Jesus refers to Himself as the Bright and Morning Star, He is providing us
with a threefold analysis of His nature: first, His brightness evidences that
the darkness of our sin or suffering cannot prevail; second, His shining
declares that a new day is at hand as we move into His light; third, His
radiance announces that His coming is at hand - we must look for Him in
readiness for He will come again. (p.169).
* Many in the world have not seen His light. (Hebrews 1:2-3)
* Many have seen His Light but rejected Christ. (John 1:10,11)
* Believers have accepted Christ, but refuse to let His light shine in every
part of their lives.
* Some believers have allowed Christ's Light into every corner of their lives
and some are clean and filled with the Holy Spirit. (Eph.5:18).
Has Christ, the Bright and Morning Star, penetrated every area of our lives?
(Dr. Bruce Pringle)
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