November 26, 2018 -- Numbers 24:17 -- Jesus the Bright Morning Star

I see Him, but not now;

I behold him, but not near;

A Star shall come out of Jacob;

A Scepter shall rise out of Israel,

And batter the brow of Moab,

And destroy all the sons of tumult.

Numbers 24:17 NKJV

I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.

Revelation 22:16 NKJV

In ancient times there were two celestial bodies referred to as "the Morning Star". One of them was Venus, the other was the star Sirius. These appeared near the end of the night and heralded the approach of morning.

Jesus is the named: "Star" in Hebrew, that is the passage from Numbers. Israel was surrounded by enemies trying to curse them and lead them into sin. The people of God were invited to look to God and see the Star--in fact, the Hebrew language allows this to be translated the "Burning Star"--as the Light to lead them to safety.

In Revelation Jesus calls Himself the Bright and Morning Star. While the world rages against Him and denies Him, those who walk in these dark times look to Him and know His full day is near at hand.

Looking to the Bright Morning Star reminds believers that the Day of His return is near; when all the peoples of the earth, kings and paupers, rich and poor, all who ever have lived and are living will be judged. Those who believe in Him will be given life everlasting in His Bright and Glorious presence. Those who rejected Him will be thrown into the fires of hell.

This post Christmas, or Epiphany, hymn is such a beautiful and appropriate prayer:

How bright appears the Morning Star, with mercy beaming

from afar; the host of heaven rejoices.

O Righteous Branch, O Jesse's Rod, the Son of Man and

Son of God! we too will lift our voices:

Jesus, Jesus, holy, holy, yet most lowly,

come, draw near us; great Immanuel, come and hear us.

Though circled by the hosts on high, he deigned to cast a

pitying eye upon his helpless creature.

The whole creation's head and Lord, by highest seraphim

adored, assumed our very nature;

Jesus, grant us, through your merit, to inherit

your salvation. Hear, O hear our supplication.

Text: William Mercer 1859

Hymn: "How Bright Appears the Morning Star"