Many people avoid Revelation, stating they cannot understand it. With its apocalyptic language, it can be challenging to grasp. Yet, if we break down the passages into smaller chunks, even as small as one or two or three words, we can gain at least a rudimentary understanding.
Today’s passage is near the end of the book. Let’s break it down a bit. First, Jesus states plainly it is He who sent His angel to John. Jesus is behind the entire message. He is either speaking or His messenger is speaking to John throughout the book. So, we can trust the message is true.
Second, the testimony given is for the churches. There is a specific section in which Jesus states it goes out to the seven churches of Asia, modern day Turkey. Yet, in each message to each church He states for the churches to listen, thereby widening the message for all churches, including every church today.
Third, Jesus states He is the root and descendant of David. We see in the Isaiah 11 and Romans 15 where Jesus is referred to as the root of Jesse, who was the father of David. This phrase points to the Jesus existing before Jesse and David. But Jesus also says He is the descendant of David, which the genealogies in Matthew and Luke point out. How can this be? This is another way of stating Jesus existed before time and will exist after time ends.
Finally, Jesus states He is the bright morning star. In other words, Jesus is the light of the world. His light shines unlike any other light. It not only provides light for our eyes to see but provides light or insight or understanding for our hearts and minds to see. His light is penetrating just as His Word is penetrating. His light reveals everything and dispels the darkness of this world.
I pray we all take time to read Scripture. I pray we slow down to study Scripture. I pray each one of us seek to understand God’s Word and apply it in our daily lives. Read Scripture. Study Scripture. Seek to understand Scripture. You can understand it. Apply it in your daily life.
Revelation 22:16 “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
Marty Pressey 