The letters given to John to write to the angels of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, all end with a promise. They are promises for those who conquer, or, as I prefer, those who overcome. And so, when I’m reading this portion of Scripture, I’m highlighting the promises. While these were seven churches in existence during John’s day, and while they may refer to seven church ages throughout history, these things were written for my instruction today . . . promises included. And one of those promises has stood out this morning. And, while I may not be quite sure of it’s exact interpretation, I’m thinking that it’s less about when and all about Who.

At the end of chapter two, John is writing to the church at Thyatira. He who has eyes like a flame of fire (2:18) knows all about the dynamics that prevail in their gathering. They are characterized by ever increasing fruitfulness in their works, love, faith, service, and patient endurance. But He also, who has feet like burnished bronze and is prepared to judge sin, warns these believers of the leaven of tolerance of doctrine within their midst that promotes idolatry and overlooks sexual immorality.

And so the call is for those who tolerate “Jezebel” to repent knowing that He who “searches mind and heart” will give to each according to their works (2:23).

But to the rest, . . . to those who do not hold to such idolatrous, immoral teaching, Jesus says, “Only hold fast what you have until I come” (2:25).

And then a two-fold promise. First, for those who overcome, when the King returns to rule the nations, He will give authority for His own to rule with Him. Amazing! But it’s the second part of the promise that has me thinking . . .

And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.    (Revelation 2:28-29 ESV)

Jesus will give those who hold fast until He comes the morning star.

I did just enough commentary work this morning to know that the meaning of this promise is open to a wide range of interpretation. So, while I have a lot more study to do before being in anyway authoritative, I do know what I fell’t by what was tell’t.

I know that Jesus concludes His revelation to John by declaring, “I am the Root and the Descendant of David, the Bright Morning Star” (22:16). So, at it’s simplest, this is a promise that for those who overcome, Jesus will give them Himself. Whether that’s referring to His Second Coming . . . or, as some speculate, His coming to take up His church in advance of the tribulation . . . or, some other interpretation, as I hover over this verse, it’s less about when and all about Who.

For those who hold fast . . . for those who conquer . . . for those who overcome, the Morning Star will give them Himself. And I can’t help but think that, while it might a be a promise for the future, it reflects a current truth. That the Savior gives Himself to His people as His people give themselves to their Savior. That the Light of the world manifests Himself to those who have been translated from darkness into light, as He shines in the hearts of believers to “give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2Cor. 4:6).

Everyday I keep on keepin’ on . . . every day I seek to, by His grace and through His power, hold fast, is a day of communion with the Morning Star. As I abide in Christ, He abides in Me. As I seek Jesus, He reveals Himself to me. So that it is “no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

O’ blessed Morning Star! O’ wondrous promise of the abiding presence of the LORD of heaven and earth! What privilege! What grace!

To Him be all glory . . .