Christ the Bright and Morning Star

    CHRIST THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR

    "I am the Root and Offspring of David, and the bright and Morning Star" Re 22:16.

    Morning Star, in the Greek Fwsqorov, a Star of exceeding brightness, metaphorically signifies, "The shining light of the paths of the just," Pr 4:18, (where the Hebrew word is Lucifer, for the Morning Star) so Job 11:17. A fuller knowledge of God by inward illumination, 2Pe 1:19. The king of Assyria, Isa 14:12. The glorious light of eternity, Re 2:28, (see Da 12:3; 1Co 15:41-42.) Lastly, Christ the Saviour of the world, Re 22:16, for which see Phil. Sacra, chap, viii., of an anthropopathy, and the following parallel.

    METAPHOR

    I. The Morning Star is a very solid light, without twinkling, corruscation or sparkling, as other Stars do.

    PARALLEL

    I. The Lord Jesus is a very solid light, whose glory is not like others who have their intermissions; but he abides steady, his glory and bright shining is always alike; his whole course of life was as if it had been but one continued act of goodness; he is the same in the morning, noon, and night; "Yesterday, to-day, and for ever," Heb 13:8

    METAPHOR

    II. The bright and Morning Star is the harbinger to the greatest of natural joy, viz., the rising of the sun, what doth the earth desire more.

    PARALLEL

    II. Jesus Christ is the Harbinger of the great joy to all nations. How joyful was that time, when the day-spring from on high did first visit us? "The people that sat in darkness, saw great light, and to those that dwell in the valley of the shadow of death, great light is risen," &c. His coming was the fulfilling of God's gracious promise unto the fathers, and as the blessed manifestation of God's rich favour and good will to man; he is also the Forerunner or the Harbinger of that dominion that the just shall have in the resurrection, the morning of the longed for day. "The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day," Pr 4:18. "The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning." Ps 49:14. "The night is far spent, the day is at hand," Ro 13:11-12. "This, above all others, is the day the Lord hath (made for good men) therein to rejoice and be glad," Ps 118:24.

    METAPHOR

    III. The Morning Star is a great ornament to the heavens: this is so visible, that it needs no instances to prove it.

    PARALLEL

    III. Jesus Christ is not only an ornament to the Christian Church and profession, far beyond what Moses was to the Jews; but even to heaven itself, and the holy angels, who did not a little rejoice at his ascending into heaven. "God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet; sing praises to our God, sing praises," Ps 47:5.

    METAPHOR

    IV. The Morning Star is a very pleasant object to all that have eyes to behold it, and love the light.

    PARALLEL

    IV. Jesus Christ is a very pleasant object to men that are spiritually enlightened; therefore it is that they do ardently desire to be near him, and with him where he is. David, though he had not so clear a sight and prospect of this bright and morning Star, as men have under the Gospel; yet that prospect he had, made him use this precious prayer; "O when shall I come and appear before God!" Ps 42:2. "Then shall I he satisfied when I awake with thy likeness," &c., Ps 17:15. "I have a desire (saith Paul) to depart and to be with Christ," &c., Php 1:23. Those that look for him do also cry, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.".

    METPHOR

    V. The Morning Star is esteemed not a little useful to guide mariners when they have lost the light of their more common guide, viz., the Pole Star.

    PARALLEL

    V. Jesus Christ is highly esteemed by all that sail heaven-wards, no steering the right course without him; he gives good assurance to all that follow him, "They should not abide in darkness, but have the light of life." The following of Christ Jesus is the most certain way to avoid the rocks, the sands, and the hands of all spiritual and temporal enemies.

    METAPHOR

    VI. The Morning Star is by astronomers accounted a Star of the first magnitude.

    PARALLEL

    VI. Jesus Christ is really the most excellent and chiefest light that ever God set in the Church; Moses and the prophets, John Baptist, and the three beloved apostles, Peter, James, and John, and Paul, who was most eminent, were shining lights and glorious Stars, who adorned the profession of the holy Gospel; but in all things this bright and Morning Star infinitely surpassed them in splendour and brightness, Heb 1:3.

    METAPHOR

    VII. The Morning Star is observed to be a terror to thieves and evil men, when they see this sun of the morning appear they haste away to hide themselves, lest the light of the day should overtake and discover them.

    PARALLEL

    VII. Jesus Christ is a great terror not only to wicked men, but wicked angels, to all that love darkness more than light, they hate him and fear him, they consulted against him, and more times than once attempted to pluck this Star out of the firmament, so that they might walk in darkness, carry on their black designs and deeds without discovery. Satan attempted his destruction from the pinnacle of the temple, sets a squadron of the black regiment to resolve upon his death, Mt 4:5; knowing him to be the Fore-runner of the day, which thieves and robbers cannot endure; "come, let us kill the heir," &c., Mt 21:38. They hate the light, come not to it, "Lest their deeds should be reproved." "They led him to the brow of the hill, that they might cast him down head-long," Lu 4:29. The evil angels thought he came too soon, "Why art thou come to torment us before the time?" Mt 8:29.

    METAPHOR

    VIII. The Morning Star (as other stars) is fixed in its orb, wherein it performs a constant motion.

    PARALLEL

    VIII. Jesus Christ is constant in his orb or station, he is a Priest for ever, a prophet to guide for ever, a King to govern for ever; he leaves not his office as inconstant men do, but makes good his word as settled in heaven. "And lo, I am with you always, to the end of the world," Mt 28:20. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," or leave thee to a forsaking, Heb 13:5.

    METAPHOR

    IX. The Morning Star gives most light just before break of day.

    PARALLEL

    IX. Jesus gave a great light unto the world by the ministry of John, by the appearance of himself, and by the ministry of the apostles and their immediate successors. But the greatest light is reserved to the flying of the angel through the midst of heaven with the everlasting Gospel, before the great and notable day come, wherein the whole earth shall be lightened with his glory, both Jews and Gentiles shall acknowledge the blessed Messiah. "Arise and shine, for thy light is come, the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. The Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising," Isa 60:1,3. "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," Hab 2:14.

    METAPHOR

    X. It is the opinion of some, that the Morning Star doth send forth very blessed influences upon those bodies that are under its dominion.

    PARALLEL

    X. Jesus doth send forth very blessed and sweet influences upon the bodies and souls of men that are under his gracious rule and dominion; it is he who sends down the Holy Ghost. "If I go away, I will send you another Comforter, the Spirit of truth," &c. Joh 16:7-8.

    METAPHOR

    XI. The Morning Star doth chiefly govern pleasant and delightful plants.

    PARALLEL

    XI. Jesus Christ, though all power in heaven and earth be given unto him, by whom kings reign and princes decree judgment and justice, nobles rule, even all the judges of the earth, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords; yet his chief rule and government is over the pleasant and delightful plants, the saints who are on the earth, the excellent in whom is all his delight; it is they that hear his word, obey his voice, and do his will, &c. The hundred forty and four thousand are pleasant and delightful ones; (1) "The Father's name is upon them; (2.) They are not defiled with women; (3.) They follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth," Re 14:1,4, and Re 6:17. These are governed by the Lamb.

    METAPHOR

    XII. The Morning Star is accounted the master planet, for moderation; said to cause gentle storms in winter, and moderate heat in summer.

    PARALLEL

    XII. Jesus Christ is the Master of all moderation both for soft words and gentle instructions, who by good doctrine did so eminently qualify his followers, that he fitted them for every season; when cast down, he comforteth them with good words and promises: "Let not your hearts be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. If I go away, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, you may be also," Joh 14:1,3. When hot and fiery, he cools and abates choler, "You know not what spirit you are of. The Son of man came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. Love your enemies." "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls," Mt 11:28-29.

    METAPHOR

    XIII. The Morning Star is said to be the cause of beauty.

    PARALLEL

    XIII. Jesus Christ is really the cause of all beauty to the true Church, and to all the members thereof. 1. In respect of imputed righteousness, by which they are justified. 2. In respect of grace and virtue, by which they are adorned. 3. In respect of good life and conversation, which arises from his Spirit, doctrine, and good example. "By him all that believe are justified," Ac 12:25.---"But the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance," Ga 5:22. "You are complete in him, who is the Head of all principalities and powers."

    METAPHOR

    XIV. The Morning Star doth most service in winter, because the greatest part of that season is night and darkness.

    PARALLEL

    XIV. Jesus Christ doth greatest kindness in the winter, or dark time of the Church; then it is he maketh intercession, manifested care, and sends relief and succour to the saints, performs all the parts of a merciful High Priest and Mediator: but when the winter is past, the darkness gone, and the night quite spent, then his office of priesthood and mediatorship shall cease; "Then shall the Son deliver up the kingdom to the Father, and God shall be all in all," 1Co 15:24.

    METAPHOR

    XV. The Morning Star hath an honourable name, it is called the son of the morning.

    PARALLEL

    XV. Jesus Christ hath a very honourable name. Jesus, which is Saviour, Christ, which is anointed; "The Son of God, the only begotten, well beloved; the Emmanuel, God with us; and he hath a name above every name," "Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins." The rulers set themselves against the Lord and his anointed. And we believe that thou art Christ the Son of the living God. God is gone up with a shout. This is the true God, and eternal life; Lord of all, Lord of glory, Prince of life, Prince of peace, Prince of the kings of the earth. The day Star from on high, that bringeth life and immortality to light, by the Gospel. He hath "by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than the angels, Php 2:9; Mt 1:21; Ac 4:26; Joh 6:69; Ps 46:5; 1Jo 5:20; Re 1:5; 2Ti 1:10; Heb 1:4.

    METAPHOR

    XVI. The Morning Star is known to be the evening star as well as the Morning Star, and in both respects is useful to the world.

    PARALLEL

    XVI. Jesus Christ is Omega as well as Alpha, the Finisher as well as the Author or beginner of our faith; the rear-guard, as well as the Captain of our salvation; gives the latter, as well as the first fruits of the Spirit; trains as well as conducts; he rewards according to the works of piety and goodness, as well as he commands to do them; he concludes this day of grace when he comes to judge, as well as he began it when he came to save. He ushers in the dismal night of darkness to the wicked, as well as he ushers in the day of glad tidings and great joy to the righteous; he appears after the going down of the sun, and shutting up of mercy, as well as before the rising of the sun, and clear approach of mercy; he is a harbinger to captivity, as well as to the year of jubilee and deliverance; he sends down to hell and darkness, as well as he sends up to heaven and glory. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end," Re 1:8. "Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith," Heb 12:2.

    METAPHOR

    XVII. The Morning Star, though it may be obsured by mists, fogs, clouds, and dark vapours; yet nothing can hinder its course, but it constantly keeps its motions and circle in the heavens, cannot be prevailed against by any malignant power whatsoever. Thieves and evil men like not its appearance, yet cannot obstruct its motion in the firmament, nor stop its light from shining on the earth.

    PARALLEL

    XVII. Jesus Christ, and the light of the Gospel, although sometimes obscured by the means of misty foggy clouds, powers of darkness, ignorance, unbelief, and heresy; yet nothing can hinder its course, but it constantly keeps his glorious circle in his dispensation, and keeps a continual motion in a way of divine Providence until the time of his kingdom and patience be over. "He that hath promised to come, will come, and will not tarry," Heb 10:37, "The Lord whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple," "Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me," Re 1:7. He cannot be prevailed against by any malignant powers of earth or hell. Herod, Pontius Pilate, the High-Priest, the whole body of the Jews, the Romans, Mahometans, and Papists that hate him and his glorious appearance, cannot obstruct his motion and operation in the Church or world, nor in any-wise extinguish his light from its glorious splendour. "Hereafter shall they see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory," Mt 24:30. "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks," Ac 9:5. "The disciples waxed bold and multiplied." The blood of the martyrs was the seed of the Church. O Galilean! thou hast overcome me, saith wicked Julian. "On this Rock will I build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," Mt 16:18. The administration of Christ is like "The path of the just, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Of his kingdom there shall be no end; upon the throne of David, to order and establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth, even for ever," Isa 9:7.

    METAPHOR

    XVIII. The Morning Star, as it hath those properties and excellencies already expressed; so lastly, it exceeds all others stars for brightness and glory.

    PARALLEL

    XVIII. Jesus Christ in all that hath been or can be said, exceeds in brightness and glory; for, as hath been manifested, he is the brightness of his Father's glory, in which respect he exceeds angels and men: for, though he was the offspring of David, yet he is the bright and Morning Star," Re 22:16.

    METAPHOR

    I. The Morning Star did not make itself, nor other stars.

    DISPARITY

    I. Jesus Christ, the bright and Morning Star, made the orbs wherein the Stars are fixed with the sun, moon and all the world besides. "And thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy hands," Ps 102:25.

    METAPHOR

    II. The sun, and Morning Star, are two things: for the Morning Star is much inferior to the sun in light and glory.

    DISPARITY

    II. Jesus Christ thought it no robbery to be equal with God, Php 2:6-7. And he is not only the bright and Morning Star, but also the Sun of righteousness, (see Sun.) "The brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person, and he upholds all things by the word of his power," Heb 1:3.

    METAPHOR

    III. The Morning Star gives but eternal light to the corporal sense.

    DISPARITY

    III. Jesus Christ gives eternal light, which illuminates the minds and souls of all believers. This is the true light, who is not only the light of the world, "But delivereth also all those that truly follow him out of darkness, and bestoweth on them the light of life," Joh 8:12.

    METAPHOR

    IV. The Morning Star gives light only in the night, but loseth its glory when the sun ariseth.

    DISPARITY

    IV. Jesus Christ giveth light continually, and can never lose his glory, because a greater light than he cannot arise; "The night and the day are alike to him," "The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not," Joh 1:25. "He is the Lord that is an everlasting light," Isa 60:20.

    METAPHOR

    V. The Morning Star gives light only to the visible world.

    DISPARITY

    V. Jesus Christ gives light only to the visible and celestial too, to this world, and to the world to come, or heavenly Jerusalem, which city hath no need of sun or moon to shine in it, but the Lord God and the Lamb is the light thereof. "Ye are come to Mount Zion, to God the Judge of all, and to Jesus the Meditator,". Heb 12:22,24.

    METAPHOR

    VI. The Morning Star shall fall from heaven, or be dissolved at the general conflagration of the world; "the heavens and the earth that now is are reserved," &c.

    DISPARITY

    VI. Jesus shall never fall from heaven, nor be dissolved, but abide and continue when the heavens shall be no more. "And thou, Lord, hast laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of thy own hands: they shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed; but thou art the same, and thy years fail not; Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever," Ps 102:25-27; Heb 8:8.

    INFERENCES.

    I. What great love doth God bear, and what care doth he take of believers, in placing such a Star as Jesus Christ is, to be a Light unto them, to direct them how to steer their course in the darkest time, so as to shun all dangerous rocks and sands, and arrive in safety at the desired and longed-for haven?

    II. How safe are they that do always steer their course by his light and follow his conduct? they shall not be at a loss in their journeys and voyages, nor suffer shipwreck by rocks, sands, and storms," "But shall have the light of life, shall never perish. Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved," Ac 16:31.

    III. This may show also the certainty of their perishing in the dark and in the deep that continue their course to the end of their voyage, without the light and guidance of this bright and Morning Star: "This is the condemnnation, that the light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil," Joh 3:19.

    IV. Hence all true Christians (that have experimentally enjoyed enlightnings, refreshings, and guidance by Jesus Christ, as the bright and Morning Star) may be stirred up and persuaded yet more and more to look unto Jesus, who is not only the Author and Finisher of their faith, but causeth his glorious light to shine upon their path; by reason whereof, the nearer they approach to the end of their joyful journey or race, "The more and more will the light shine unto the perfect day," Pr 4:18, "Take heed therefore to that more sure word of prophecy, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day Star arise in your hearts," 2Pe 1:19.

    V. Lastly, if Christ be the bright and Morning Star; then let us look and wait for the day, which he is the Fore-runner of; seeing that the morning Star hath appeared and is up, be sure the day is at hand, and a glorious day it will be to them who are prepared for it.