Morning Star

“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.”–Revelation 22:16

This name for Jesus stumps me. I sit and wait and wonder. What does it mean? I turn to commentaries and google searches. There’s much to be said about this name. Still none of it feels right. None of it speaks to the questions I continue to ask each time I consider a name for Jesus.

What does this name reveal about you? Who you are beyond what I know now?

My heart longs to let go of my perspective and opinion, my past understanding and assumptions. It’s a deep desire for the kind of knowing that comes with life-long relationship.

Science reveals the star we see in the early morning sky is not a star at all. It’s a planet with no ability to produce light. A bright reflection of the rising sun.

Now this is something I can sink my teeth into. John’s words come to mind.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.–John 1:1-5 (ESV)

And just a few chapters later Jesus speaks.

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.  And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.  For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:38-40 (ESV)

Jesus, the bright Morning Star, is the light that shines in my darkness, and nothing will overcome His light. He is the perfect reflection of the Father’s purpose, and not one thing will be lost in the process. Like a sailor who turns his ship toward the morning star, Jesus is my navigation. My sign post pointing to the last day. No circumstance will get in the way. No dis-ease or amount of wandering will change my eternal outcome.

It won’t change your’s either.

May I make a suggestion? Rise early one morning and look to the east. See the reflection of light and point your ship in its direction. Morning upon morning it will be there. Reflecting bright light in the midst of darkness. Stay a while and enjoy the quiet before dawn.

As the sun rises remember you too can shine. You too are a reflection of the Son’s light. So go! Go light your world!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.–Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)