THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR

Twice in this passage, our Saviour says, ‘Behold, I come quickly’, vv. 7, 12. Again, at the end of the chapter, He says, ‘Surely, I come quickly’, v. 20. In verse 7, a blessing is attached for those who keep the sayings of the prophecy of the book and, in verse 12, an assurance is given of reward according to work done. In verse 20, however, there is nothing appended to His promise: it will be enough for His saints that they see Him. John does not respond in either verse 7 or verse 12 but he cannot refrain from responding in verse 20, ‘Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus’.

The second advent of our Lord Jesus Christ is spoken of under three symbols in the scriptures. He said that when He comes in power and great glory to take up the reigns of universal rule, His coming shall be ‘as the lightning’, Matt. 24. 27. This is a fitting symbol, when it is remembered that He shall summarily deal in judgement with all His foes. At the same time, He shall also appear to the nation of Israel as ‘the Sun of righteousness’; He shall arise with healing in His wings, Mal. 4. 2, and save them from all their enemies. We, however, look for Him as ‘the bright and morning star’, v. 16.

We live during the night of His rejection and, as the dispen­sation moves towards its end, the night grows darker. The love of many waxes cold. These are the last days and perilous times have come. Look up, child of God! In the darkest part of the night the Morning Star appears, bright harbinger of the coming day. Keep looking for Him with glad expectation. His promise cannot fail. Maran-atha: our Lord come!

Nevertheless, let us fill our time with glad service for Him. This is the limited time we have to yield ourselves to Him, to do His will, to keep His word, to shine as lights in a dark place. Now is the time to show by character formed by grace that we are not of the night, though living in it, because we are in fact the chil­dren of light. Let us live each one of our days in the light of that day, which soon will dawn upon us. Then, shall His servants rest with Him in the Father’s house in the constant enjoyment of His presence and His love.