"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony to share with the churches. I am both the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16 (FBV)
During World War II, families with a son in the war would place a star in the window. One day, an old man was walking along with his 5 years grandson when the boy asked “Grandpa, why do all these homes have stars in the windows?” The grandfather explained to the boy what the star symbolized. They walked along and every time they passed a home with a star in the window the boy would smile and clap his hands together. Then, the boy looked up to the sky, pointed to a star and said. “Grandpa, look, God must have given his son too!” (Culled from Our Daily Bread, April 12, 2012)
The pages of history is filled with many great people who have achieved unprecedented feats in their generation. These people are unique individuals who by their superior intellect, heroic courage, extraordinary leadership abilities, divine wisdom and inspiration have greatly impacted their world positively. They are stars shining in the windows all over the world today. We smile and clap our hands whenever their names are mentioned. We set up foundation to immortalised them even when they have gone. As a mark of honour and respect for these stars, we name our children, sporting arena, academic institutions etc after them.
Friends, it is good to clap for the stars in the windows around us. It is equally nice to give standing ovations to great men and women who have contributed immensely to their world. However, it is much more important to look up like that young boy and his grandpa so that we can acknowledge and celebrate the greatest star of all time - Jesus Christ. The one who knew no sin yet was offered as sin offering to rescue humanity from eternal damnation (2 Corinthians 5:21).
"God made this sinless man to be sin offering on our behalf, so that in union with him we might fully share in God's righteousness" - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (CJB)
Yes, many Christians need to stop worshipping their Pastors, Bishops, Reverend and General Overseers and start celebrating the saviour of their souls. Unbelievers and backsliders must stop ignoring Christ who is the star of salvation (Hebrews 2:3). Some people need to stop chasing shadows of riches, power and position so that they can focus on the star of eternal life ( 1 John 4:9, Colossians 3:1).
"God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life" - 1 John 4:9 (NLT)
One special hymn that describes the great exploit of the Bright Morning star - Jesus Christ, is titled "O Morning Star, How Fair And Bright!". Please meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn below and trust God to help you keep your gaze steadfastly on Him till He returns for the rapture of the Church.
O MORNING STAR, HOW FAIR AND BRIGHT! By Philipp Nicolai (1599)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright!
You shine with God’s own truth and light,
Aglow with grace and mercy!
Of Jacob’s race, King David’s son,
Our Lord and master, You have won
Our hearts to serve You only!
Lowly, holy!
Great and glorious,
All victorious,
Rich in blessing!
Rule and might o’er all possessing!
Come, heavenly Bridegroom, Light divine,
and deep within our hearts now shine;
There light a flame undying!
In Your one body let us be
As living branches of a tree,
Your life our lives supplying.
Now, though daily
Earth’s deep sadness
May perplex us
And distress us,
Yet with heavenly joy You bless us.
Lord, when You look on us in love,
At once there falls from God above
A ray of purest pleasure.
Your Word and Spirit, flesh and blood
Refresh our souls with heavenly food.
You are our dearest treasure!
Let Your mercy
Warm and cheer us!
O draw near us!
For You teach us
God’s own love through You has reached us.
Almighty Father, in Your Son
You loved us when not yet begun
Was this old earth’s foundation!
Your Son has ransomed us in love
To live in Him here and above;
This is Your great salvation.
Alleluia!
Christ the living,
To us giving
Life forever,
Keeps us Yours and fails us never!
O let the harps break forth in sound!
Our joy be all with music crowned,
Our voices gladly blending!
For Christ goes with us all the way—
Today, tomorrow, every day!
His love is never ending!
Sing out! Ring out!
Jubilation!
Exultation!
Tell the story!
Great is He, the King of Glory!
What joy to know, when life is past,
The Lord we love is first and last,
The end and the beginning!
He will one day, oh, glorious grace,
Transport us to that happy place
Beyond all tears and sinning!
Amen! Amen!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Crown of gladness!
We are yearning
For the day of Your returning!
It's my prayer that God will keep you and I standing till Jesus Christ returns for the rapture of His Church. May the undying flame of his glory never fade out in our heart till the bright morning star appear again. While awaiting for Him, may we receive grace and boldness to keep telling the story of His love to everyone around us.
Good day and God bless you.
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
For more articles, please visit -
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