As I’m reading the first chapters of Revelation and Jesus’ words for the seven churches, I’m taking particular notice of what He promises those who “overcome”. In each of His letters to these churches He exhorts them to some behavior . . . whether that’s to simply hold fast to a faithful expression of faith or to repent of some error that has crept into their midst. And have giving “the command”, Jesus invariably encourages them to have “ears to hear” what the Spirit is saying and then encourages them with a promise for the one who overcomes. It’s the promise to the church in Thyatira that’s got me thinking this morning.

“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations . . . and I will give him the morning star.” (Rev. 2:26,28)

I think I get the part about the saints one day ruling with King Jesus over the nations (Rev. 5:9-10) . . . but what about being given the morning star?

As I do when I come across one of those, “What does that mean?” passages or phrases, I turn to the commentaries I have on my computer and on my desk . . . my own select group of “advisors” . . . to see what these trusted teachers say. But sometimes, as in this case, they don’t all agree . . . having different interpretations . . . even indicating that they’re not quite sure what exactly “the morning star” is referring to. So what to do in a case like that? Well, I was taught a long time ago that Scripture best interprets Scripture . . . so where else is the term “morning star” found?

“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.” (Rev. 22:16)

That’s pretty clear . . . Jesus says that He is the Morning Star. So . . . at least one understanding of this promise is that, to the one who overcomes, Jesus will give Himself. Some would say it’s referring to the rapture . . . others that it refers to the millennial reign . . . but, for now, I’m going with that tried and true, Sunday School 101 answer, “Jesus.”

He identifies Himself as the Bright and Morning Star . . . and He promises to believers who overcome to give them the morning star . . . so why couldn’t it be referring to that time when they will be with Him . . . up close and personal . . . face to face . . . He having laid claim to them . . . and they now possessing Him whom they had previously owned by faith and followed through the Spirit.

What greater promise is there but to have Jesus? What greater motivation “to keep on keepin’ on” than to one day being given the Morning Star? . . . to be where He is . . . to dwell where He dwells . . . to reign as He reigns . . . to worship before Him at His Father’s throne?

But, while there is a promise to yet be fully known, I don’t need to wait until that day to encounter the Morning Star. I can start this day and this week afresh with the prayer, “Give me Jesus!” Desiring to abide in Him and know the reality of Him abiding in me. Seeking sweet communion with the risen Christ as enabled by the indwelling Spirit of God. Setting my mind and my heart on things above . . . looking to Jesus with the eyes of faith.

“. . . and I will give him the morning star . . . ”

Even so, Lord, give me Jesus . . .