Revelation 22:13

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

John needed to be reconfirmed in his faith in God, as we all do, especially when things happen that threaten to question the Word of Jesus Christ. Caesar’s terror seems to know no limits. What will he command next? Why does he so hate the followers of the Lamb of God?  For us believers, the answer to that question, even if we tried to answer it would not be helpful, when we pry into the mystery of Satan, evil and death we learn little.  Satan will be defeated by the power of the Blood of the Lamb, and in no other way.

Jesus did show John the cosmic battle that Satan wages with intense fury. I am sure John related what he was seeing to his own faith and that of the followers of Christ in Central Turkey and everywhere, especially those who are persecuted, even facing death, because they know that Jesus Christ is King of kings – certainly not Caesar whose reign is coming to a tragic end soon.

The news of today blares out that message of Islamic radicalism, a political movement that seems to be getting stronger and stronger.  It is indeed very confusing.  For that reason we need to decide what we are going to look at, anti-Christ forces that arouse fear? Or the victories of God’s Lamb?  The Spirit wants to bring men and women into the promise and glories of the New Kingdom of Heaven, now among us and powerful beyond our dreams. I speak not of political or military power but the power of faith and prayer and suffering.  That spiritual power will not be bested because Jesus Christ is Lord and will be Lord forever and ever, and he lives in his followers!

The Spirit reminds John that one most not look at the particular events to see into the heart of God but remember his clear words, “I am the Root and Offspring of David.” v 13  In other words, look at King David, his roots are in Jesus Christ!  That is the only proper way to understand him. David is a shoot from the root.  Look at the root! That root enabled David to produce fruit of righteousness.  Jusus said, “I am the Offspring of David.” Jesus is the root and the fruit!

God announces the coming of the New Day as the morning star, “the bright and morning star.”  The old is passed away, the new has come  It is the reign of the Lamb that continues forever and ever.  Amen.