Today's language fails to set forth the beauty and preciousness of Jesus. But God inspired men through the Holy Spirit to select the most striking figures and metaphors to remedy the deficiency in modern day language. In the Old and New Testaments, earthly and heavenly objects are used to reveal the Christ. He is the "Rose of Sharon," the "Lily of the Valley," and the "Plant of Renown." He is a rock-a refuge-and a strong tower. He is referred to as the light of heaven and in Rev. 22:16, "the Bright and Morning Star."

The Morning Star is the brightest of all stars. Therefore, the metaphor sets Jesus in the fore front of glory. Other stars seem insignificant compared with the morning star, and so it is with other teachers when compared with Jesus. In other words His place is the supreme light of the world.

But let us not forget that the metaphor also relates to Christ in His subjective or mediatorial character. He is likened to a star because the glow of the eternal Sun is thrown upon Him. As the star or planet has thrown upon it the light of the sun, so all the rays of the Godhead were shed upon the person of the Savior. "He was the brightenss of his Father's glory, and express image of his person" (Heb. 1:3).

Yet, in a very real sense, Jesus is compared to a morning star. The function and the glory of the morning star is to proclaim the dawn or the new day. When the morning star rises the new day is not far behind. Jesus is a morning star in at least three ways:

1. In regard to the world's creation. Chaotic darkness and confusion fled at His appearing. He created all things by the word of His power (John 1:3; Heb. 1:2; Col. 1:16).

2. In regard to the world's hope of deliverance from sin and its actual redemption. In the fulness of times, the morning star appeared bringing life and light into the world;

3. In regard to that great and notable day, the judgment day. In this day, He shall appear in all His glory-as the bridegroom of His kingdom-as the avenger of the ungodly-and as the Prince and Lord (2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2 Pet. 3:8-14).

Finally, let us remember that a star is something which any man who can look up can see, and whose light and guidance any man can enjoy. Therefore, let us walk in the light of the Bright and Morning Star, look to it at all times, to be guided to the realm of eternal joy and Peace.

Truth Magazine XXII: 28, p. 457
July 20, 1978