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14. Bright Morning Star
Revelation 2.23b-29
"Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you for your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets, 'I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.' To the victorious one who does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations, that one 'will rule them with an iron scepter and dash them like pottery to pieces,' just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 2.23b-29) ✞
Jesus Searches Minds
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus knows Satan's deep secret and the Thyatira people's intentions, for he searches their hearts and minds. The phrase "Satan's deep secrets" in this reference to Thyatira has two possible meanings. Heretics either advocate false teachings or that secret personal insight by so-called believers claim to guarantee deeper spiritual life. Elsewhere, Revelation warns that we need to hold tightly to our Christian faith's basics and view cautiously any new teaching that turns us away from the Bible, belief in our Lord and Savior, and the confession of our faith. ✞
Satan's Deep Secrets
The Greek term used for "Satan's deep secrets" means literally "the deep things of Satan." "Satan's deep secrets" may be a scathing reference to the perverse teaching of the Nicolaitan Sect's "deep things," also called "Nicolaism." We need to confess the sins we try to hide from God. The phrase "her children" used about "Jezebel" describes those she leads astray into pagan immorality and worship. Their punishment is absolute. ✞
Searches Reigns and Hearts
Another fascinating translation of the Revelation phrase, "searches hearts and minds" in the Authorized Version, is "searches reigns and hearts." "Reigns" are literally "kidneys," or the perceived emotional seat. The point is that God knows every feeling and thought, and all are open to his gaze. No one can deceive the risen Christ. "Satan's deep secrets" are known to God, "who searches our whole beings." Our God searches the innermost thoughts of our minds and the most tender feelings of our hearts. ✞
our Testimony
In Revelation 22.16, Jesus called himself the "bright morning star." We read, "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the root and David's offspring and the bright Morning Star." The "you" in the phrase "sent my angel to give you" is plural. Jesus is speaking not to one but a multitude. ✞
Morning Star
When life comes to an end, those who possess Christ will never lose him again. Daniel 12.3 promises, "those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens. Those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." "Wise" refers to the one "who imparts wisdom." The bright star and glory come to all who are righteous and help others walk in righteousness. Jesus then states that he is the Bright Morning Star. He would rise with the scepter of a ruling monarch in his hand. Jesus' angel gives everyone within his hearing this testimony. His use of the "Bright Morning Star" title places him above all Bible heroes. In the Book of Esther, Mordecai, one of its leading lights, was also called "The Morning Star" by the rabbis. "Morning Star" also recalls the tremendous Messianic prophecy in 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." The morning star is the day's first herald, which chases away the night's darkness. ✞
Authority Over Nations
Jesus Christ promises Christians authority over nations whom he will make their heritage. The morning star comes to those who endure. To those who are faithful, he makes a twofold promise. To the one who "is victorious" or "overcomes" and remains faithful until the end, they will rule over Christ's enemies and reign with Jesus as he judges evil. The person who "does my will," says Jesus, is the one "who keeps my works." Christ is given authority over the nations according to Psalm 2.7b-9, where we read, "He (Almighty God) said to me, 'You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with an iron rod. You will dash them to pieces like pottery." "Break them with an iron rod" equally means "rule them with an iron scepter." ✞
Christians Shine
In Jewish belief, the end times envisage a conquering Messiah who would destroy the heathen and extend Israel's rule to the earth's ends. But Revelation 2 has also been one of the Christian church's great missionary inspirations. Many missionaries claimed the promise, "Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage." This verse's second part promises the "bright morning star," which may be a resurrection promise. The Christian will rise in resurrection after the death's night as "the bright morning star" rises after the night. Brightness in "the Bright Morning Star" reflects the word "phosphorus," a chemical element with the symbol "P." The Greek god "Phosphorus" shines brightly. Hennig Brandt produced the first phosphorous in Hamburg, Germany, in 1669 AD. It emitted a faint glow when exposed to oxygen, hence the "light-bearer," referring to the "Bright Star." Phosphorous is highly reactive and glows in the dark after illumination, which we call "phosphorescence." Phosphorous is widely used today as fertilizer. ✞
Lucifer
The Latin "Lucifer" means "bearer of light." Interestingly, "Lucifer," another name for Satan, was also called the "Morning Star" before falling from grace. Many Christians believe that "Lucifer" was Satan's name as a senior archangel before his disobedience and fall from heavenly grace. Jesus takes over the title of the once preeminent angel Lucifer. Other references to the "Morning Star" appear elsewhere in Scripture. 2 Peter 1.19 seems to describe Christ's sudden appearance in a person's life. It reads, "until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." Each Christian needs to allow the morning star to rise and shine in their hearts! ✞
Morning Star Planets
"Morning Star" also describes the planet "Venus" when it appears before sunrise in the east. It is also called the "Light Bringer." The "morning star" is a name given to Venus with Mercury when they appear in the east before sunrise. "Venus" is also named the "Evening Star." It is as though Mercury is heralding the glory of Venus when it comes in the morning. "Venus" is described as the "bright morning star" like the star system "Sirius," one of the earth's nearest neighbors and most brilliant in the night sky. The name "Sirius" comes from the Greek meaning "glowing," and it is also named "the dog star" from its place in the constellation "Canis Major" or "Greater Dog." ✞
Morning Star Ceremony
Finally, in history, the "Morning Star Ceremony" for the indigenous peoples of North America is sadly a ritual ceremonial name from the past. It included the human sacrifice of a 14-year-old Oglala Lakota girl named Haxti performed by the Skidi band of the Pawnee tribe in North America on April 22, 1838! The sacrificial blood ceremony is a lasting shame on First Nations' peoples. The Morning Star Ceremony has thankfully disappeared from tribal traditions. ✞
Victorious Ones' Promise
The Holy Spirit says that Christ, the bright morning star, will come to those who overcome and will give them victory over death. A morning star appears just before dawn on the coldest and darkest night. When the world is at its bleakest point, the bright morning star bursts onto the scene, exposing evil with his light of truth and bringing his promised reward. We find a similar reference to the Morning Star in Revelation 22.16, "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and David's Offspring and the bright Morning Star."There is also an interesting reference in Daniel 12.3. "Those who are wise will shine like heaven's brightness, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." "Those who are wise" may also be translated as "those who impart wisdom." ✞
Given Morning Star
The Christian who perseveres in the faith will also share in Christ's messianic authority. The "Christ morning star." symbolizes his resurrection victory over death. The words of a beautiful chorus, "The Lily of the Valley" ("I've found a friend in Jesus"), were written by William Charles Fry (1837–1882) in London, England, for the Salvation Army. Mr. Fry acted as one of four bodyguards to William Booth and the Salvation Army workers. He founded the first Salvation Army brass band, as inscribed on his gravestone. The music came from William Shakespeare Hays' (1837-1907) secular minstrel show in 1871. The chorus goes
"He's the lily of the valley,
He's the bright and morning star,
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul."
Everybody ought to know that Jesus, the morning star, will come to us and dwell in our hearts by faith! ✞
"Bright Morning Star"
by Ron Meacock © 2021
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