October 24

"And I will give him the morning star." Revelation 2:28.

If we found any difficulty in determining the subject of this promise, we could refer to the Speaker's own declaration in another part of this book, "I am the root and offspring of David, the bright and the morning star." Here we see the advantage of comparing one passage of Scripture with another. What is general in one is particularized in another, and what is darker in one is clearer in another.

Does he then promise himself—I will give him the morning star? Yes; he is the guide and the way, the teacher and the lesson, the priest and the sacrifice, the giver and the gift. He is all in all. By promising himself, he would teach us to look for happiness in himself, and not in the creature. He also knew that nothing else could satisfy the minds of his people, who would be sure to say,

"Give what thou carst, without thee we are poor: And with thee rich, take what thou wilt away."

And thus also he would encourage their expectations; for what will he withhold if he gives himself? Therefore, because he could promise no greater, he promised himself. The bestowment of himself would have been greater than the bestowment of heaven; for heaven is so to speak, but a part of him. He that buildeth the house hath more honor than the house.

But has he not already given himself to his people? And yet he speaks as if the donation was future, I will give him the morning star. Yes; as soon as they believed on him they received him, and had the privilege of becoming the sons of God. But as to their knowledge, experience, and enjoyment, he communicates himself to them by degrees. The apostle therefore says, after many years of communion with him. That I may win Christ, and be found in him; that I may know him. The promise must be principally accomplished hereafter. We could not receive him in all his fulness now. Our place, our condition, our powers forbid. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

But let me survey the image: I will give him the morning star. The morning star, to our view, is the most beautiful and luminous. It is distinguished by its sparkling brightness. Many resemble Christ; but in all things he has the preeminence. Prophets, priests, and kings have been anointed as well as he, but he was anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows. O how great is his beauty! He is fairer than the children of men; fairer than the children of God; fairer than the sons of God who shouted for joy at the Creation; yea, he is altogether lovely.

But the thing is, that this luminary is the harbinger of day. Therefore it is called the daystar, and the morning star. The truth of the image, therefore, is to assure us that to those that believe on him there is a glorious season drawing on. The night of ignorance and error and sin and sorrow with them is rapidly terminating. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning. Look; look, Christians! There is the shining pledge. It never failed yet. It cannot deceive. Now is your salvation nearer than when you believed. The NIGHT is far spent; the day is at hand; and then your sun shall no more go down.

Let this promise place me and keep me in a proper frame of mind. Let it raise me above the world. Let it teach me, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Let it induce me to rejoice evermore; yea, and in every thing to give thanks. To the upright there ariseth light in the darkness. If in the world I have tribulation, in him I have peace. Many things are denied me, but I can dispense with them since he is mine. Why should I envy others? They succeed, they gain, they possess; but I have the morning star.

"What others value, I resign; Lord, 't is enough that thou art mine: I shall behold thy blissful face, And stand complete in righteousness."