From Praying the Names of Jesus Week Thirteen, Day Five
The Name
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.
Key Scripture
"I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." Revelation 22:16
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Friday
Promises Associated with His Name
Some things never change. Imagine what bedtime must have been like a few thousand years ago. The children are snugly tucked into their corner of the cave.
"Dad," a terrified voice cries out, "something's crawling up my leg!" "This bearskin is scratchy!" "Mom, she's hitting me. Make her stop!" And then the inevitable: "I'm thirsty. Can I have another drink of glog . . . pleeeease!" The chorus continues until their weary-to-the-bone cave parents finally assert their authority and everything is quiet but for the rustle of a few bat wings.
Little people always seem to resist the ending of the day. Come to think of it, I sometimes stay up way past my bedtime. Maybe the problem is a primeval fear of the darkness — we resist closing our eyes lest we will never open them again. I wonder, did human beings panic when they saw the sun go down for the very first time? Were they heartened by a brilliant white light hanging low in the western sky? If so, they were probably gazing at the evening star, which just so happens to be the second planet from the sun. Yes, Venus is both the morning and the evening star, a steady brightness that reminds us of the One who lights up our darkness and chases away our gloom.
Promises in Scripture
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
Psalm 139:11-12
In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll,
and out of gloom and darkness
the eyes of the blind will see.
Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord;
the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 29:18-19
Continued Prayer and Praise
Hold fast to Christ and he will give you the morning star. (Revelation 2:26-28)
Remember that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory. (Hebrews 1:3)
Be glad because Jesus shines on those living in darkness. (Luke 1:67-79)
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Meet your spiritual ancestors as they really were: Less Than Perfect: Broken Men and Women of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them.