In the last chapter of the book of Revelation, Jesus calls Himself the “bright Morning Star.” In ancient times, the morning star was thought of as a herald of the new day, signaling the dawn of hope and joy. The brightest object in the sky aside from the sun and moon, it is a fitting type for Christ, who ushers in a new day for the entire world. When you call on Jesus, the Bright Morning Star, you are calling on the One from whom all darkness flees.

Numbers 24:17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.

Revelation 22:12-16 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.  But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

Lord, You are the brightest of all stars. With Your light, chase away the world’s darkness and the shadows that linger in my life. Help me to await Your coming with hope and confidence and to long eagerly for the new day that will never end, the day in which Your kingdom will be finally and fully established.

Understanding the Name

What the Bible refers to as the morning star is actually the planet Venus, knowing since prehistoric times. As the second planet from the sun, it is also one of the hottest. A relatively  young planet, it is Earth’s closest neighbor and is often called our sister planet. Because of its appearance in the eastern sky before dawn, it was thought of as the harbinger of sunrise. The title Aster Lampros Proinos presents a powerful and beautiful image on the One who is also known as “the light of the world.”

Studying the Name

Jesus says that He is coming soon. In what ways do you think His second coming will differ from His first? Describe your attitude toward the second coming—fear, doubt, hope, joy? Why do you feel the way you do? What kinds of people is Jesus describing in the passage from Revelation?