GRACE GAZETTE
Volume IXIssue 13
Published occasionally for Zion’s mourners
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12::12-13

THE STAR IS BORN

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. Revelation 22:16

Quite often we hear the book of Revelation referred to as the “book of Revelations” as though it is plural. Yet, clearly, the book is not a series of “revelations” but the unfolding of the Revelation of JESUS CHRIST. (see Rev. 1:1) This book is not a collection of varied predictions and signs about an unfolding of events but rather it is a manifestation of CHRIST JESUS the LORD and a declaration of the work which HE has accomplished in the earth. HE is the sole SUBJECT of this book. The man who cannot see CHRIST in it cannot see CHRIST as HE has been pleased to show HIMSELF to men.

Much time and effort are put forth by many so called “bible scholars” to explain the intricacies and illustrations in it as though its purpose is to establish a chronological timeline and prediction of the future events which shall yet occur in the earth. There is much debate about when, if, and how all of these erstwhile “events” will take place. It seems that men often become so enamored of their own “interpretations”, “charts”, and “timelines” that they fail to center their thoughts on the ONE who is, alone, revealed in all of HIS glory and majesty. Many are those that consider their own “interpretations” of it to be so sacrosanct that they reject as “heretics” all who do not agree with them.

One may fail to understand much of the symbolism in this book, yet if a man fails to see CHRIST as the sole OBJECT of it, that man has missed the purpose and meaning of the book. Those who worship the true CHRIST are made to fall upon their faces even as John did, when the glory of this ONE is manifested throughout its pages, whether HE be that one whose, “head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;” (Rev 1:14) or HE be seen riding upon a white horse, going “forth conquering, and to conquer.”(Rev 6:2), or as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Rev 13:8). Indeed, HE is that ONE whose anthem rings throughout the heavens as sung by the four and twenty elders. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Rev 5:9)

The LORD JESUS revealed HIS purpose in the writing of the book in its opening sentence and here at the close of the book (22:16) HE puts an exclamation point on it by declaring HIMSELF, “the ROOT”, “the OFFSPRING of David”, and the “BRIGHT and MORNING STAR”

HE is the ROOT. HE is the FIRST CAUSE of all things. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4) “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell. ”(Col 1:16-19) HE is that ONE by whom all things stand. As a plant without a root withers so all things in heaven and earth are dependent on HIM. “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Psa 115:3)

HE is especially the “ROOT” of HIS elect children. HIS love for them from before the foundation of the world is the very basis upon which all that HE has undertaken to perform for them was ever commenced. HE is that ONE who bestows eternal life to them. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life: and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1John 5:11-12)

HE is the “OFFSPRING” of David. There is no more profound and glorious revelation given to the sons of men, than that the GOD who “inhabiteth eternity” should be attentive of men at all, even as David marveled, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psa 8:4) Yet HE has shown us that HE has not only regarded those of low estate but it has pleased HIM to put on “flesh and blood” in their likeness, being born of a virgin mother, that HE might be a “faithful HIGH PRIEST” among HIS brethren, “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15)

Though HE was perfectly sinless with not so much as any “guile found in HIS mouth”, yet HE took the guilt and burden of the sin of HIS elect upon HIMSELF, living and dying as their SUBSTITUTE in HIS fleshly body and imputing HIS perfect righteousness to them. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Cor 5:21) “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Heb 9:12)

HE is the “BRIGHT and MORNING STAR.” HIS glory fills the heavens, and therefore envelops the earth. The planet Venus is often called the morning star because of its prominence and brilliance which is so bright that it can even be seen as the day is breaking. The glory of the stars and planets derive their glory from HIM who formed them by the words of HIS mouth. It is fitting that this morning star should serve as a picture of HIM whose glory has dawned upon the earth over two thousand years ago and shall shine forever upon it. All of its inhabitants shall bow down and give HIM reverence. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9-11)

HE is especially that BRIGHT and MORNING STAR to those who have been called from the deadness and darkness of sin’s night to behold HIM as “the Sun of righteousness”which arises “with healing in his wings” (Mal 4:2) What a glorious and comforting sight. “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” (Rev 5:11-13)

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