Revelation 22:16

“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

The book of Revelation opens with these words, “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1:1 It is not a timetable of events, it is Jesus Christ at work. I should look for Jesus, not for how to understand how things will unfold. That vision of Jesus is now prominent in John’s mind and heart.  Jesus has truly revealed himself.  As time passed since he last saw Jesus in Galilee maybe that vision faded a bit and needed updating.

Is the Jesus whom John walked with, ate with, experienced God with – is He now somehow diminished, weakened? Are his promises still true or has Satan proved Jesus to be inadequate?  In light of all these and many more questions, Jesus asserted to John that Satan might have small victories but he is a defeated foe.

When time are difficult we must once again focus our attention on Jesus, certainly not on events or even on Satan.  So, concluding the revelation, the focus is on Jesus!  “I am the root and offspring of David.”  Jesus is the root from whom David sprung. The life and ministry of the renowned David is actually Jesus at work. David is rooted in Jesus! His entire life is Jesus at work. I find this to be a startling revelation of God.  David could never produce Jesus.  In fact his sons, Ahithophel and Solomon are not very good examples of righteousness. No, Jesus produced David. How about that for a new way viewing things?  Jesus was at work shaping and inspiring King David!

We read Isaiah 11:1, “there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”  That is a clear reference to Jesus, the promised Messiah. So Jesus is the root and the fruit, he’s in fact the reason for everything.  Now that is a vision with power beyond measure.

Jesus then confided to John, “I am the bright and morning star.” John, it is not sunset time but sunrise time. Jesus’ star announces a new day, a new Kingdom on earth and in heaven, and a new life.  We hear the echo, “Behold, I make all things new.” The night is not coming, the day is at hand.

I need this reminder every hour of every day.  Things are not falling apart, a new day of Christ’s Kingdom is here, now, still “coming down.”