January 22

AND THE

BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.

Star out of Jacob.--Numbers 24:17.

The Bright and Morning Star.--Revelation 22:16.

CHRIST Jesus is evidently set forth in both these passages. Balaam who had attempted to sell himself to curse Israel, and to predict evil upon them, is constrained to admire, to bless, and to predict the appearance of Messiah, who should be their consolation and glory. He refers especially to the Saviour's lineage, as coming out of Jacob; of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Then he refers to Christ as a star, and as such he is distinguished for his brilliancy, all the glory of Deity dwells in him and emanates from him. He is distinguished for the purity and splendour of his rays. He is the light, both of earth and heaven. He said I am the light of the world. All saving knowledge proceeds from him. The Glory of the Celestial Temple in like manner proceeds from his refulgent rays. As a star, he is fixed, immutable and eternal. He is the Bright Star

All the luminaries of heaven combined, are but as a taper, contrasted with him. He is the Morning star. He introduced the Morning of hope to our first parents, immediately after the fall. He introduced the Morning of the Gospel, by his blessed and glorious incarnation in the flesh. He introduces the Morning of Spiritual day, into the believing heart, "Christ in you the hope of glory." He shall introduce the Morning of Millennial glory, by the brightness of his second appearing. He will also finally arise as the Morning Star, in the day of final judgment; which will be followed by the changeless light of a glorious eternity. What an object for Christian contemplation; how necessary that its rays should attract us; how desirable that we should feel its illuminating influences, and that we should enjoy in our souls the spiritual day of salvation, that we may look with cheering confidence to his glorious appearing the second time, when he will effect the complete redemption of his people.