Revelation 22:16

¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Some food for thought today

In the last chapter of the Bible, Jesus calls himself an unusual name, “the bright Morning Star.”

At first glance, this image may seem puzzling. Today we know that what ancient people called the morning star, shining brightly before dawn, is the planet Venus. And because the Romans referred to the morning star as Lucifer, and Bible translators used this as a name for the devil, Jesus’ self-description seems confusing. Our Scripture reading for today, however, helps shed light on this image.

King Balak of Moab had hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. Compelled to speak for God, however, Balaam could only bless the Israelites. In the blessing we have read today, Balaam prophesies, “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” By calling himself the “bright Morning Star,” Jesus links himself with Balaam’s prophecy, declaring that he is the Messiah from the line of David. Jesus will one day defeat all of God’s enemies.

Jesus has ushered in the kingdom of God, but we still wait for the kingdom to come fully when he returns. Then God’s peace—shalom—will reign in the new heavens and earth.

As you watch and wait for Jesus’ return, take comfort and act to bring the glory of the Morning Star to all that God has given you to do today.

Genesis 15:1-6

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.
    I am your shield,
    your very great reward.”

² But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” ³ And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

⁴ Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” ⁵ He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

⁶ Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.