The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!”

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

 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”   Rev. 22:16-17 NKJV

Imagine how John was encouraged.   Remember how he was in exile because of his Christian faith on the island of Patmos. He was by himself.  No longer did he have the fellowship of other Christians around him.  Imagine his excitement when Jesus says, ‘I am coming soon! You can get ready now and you can welcome me soon!’

Remember the purpose of Revelation?  Jesus came and said I have words to give you to write to the churches.  John had seven visions that he wrote to seven churches.  We near the end of this letter here where Jesus reminds him that yes, this was his purpose, and this he did.  Vs.16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.”  Because these were miraculous visions, they were almost too hard to comprehend because John saw into the throne room of God.

John was reminded that yes, he wasn’t just dreaming, but these revelations he had seen were true.  God had sent His angel to give him proof.

The angel who has guided John through the various visions of the book is now authenticated by Jesus Himself.   The plural "you" indicates that it was intended for others besides John.  It stresses that the revelation is not a private affair but for the entire Church.

He continues to tell him, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." He reminded him that not only was He the Lord of David, but He was David’s son, just as scripture had foretold.

Jesus in His divine nature was the root or source of David, while in His human nature He was David's offspring.  In other words Christ was both David's Lord and offspring (Matt. 22:42-45).

Christ is the root of David as to His divine nature; for from that the entire human race sprang, for He is the Creator of all things, and without Him was nothing made which is made.   He is the offspring of David as to His human nature; for that He took of the stock of David, becoming thereby heir to the Jewish throne and the only heir who then existed; and it is remarkable that the whole regal family terminated in Christ.

Jesus declares that He is "the bright morning star."  Here, "morning star" is a translation of the Greek word phosphoros which means "light bearer" or "source of light." Phosphoros could refer to the sun or to the morning star.

May we live our lives by the light of the bright Morning Star!

We live in a new day, a day that when fully realized will reveal not only a redeemed humanity, but a redeemed creation in the new heaven and the new earth.

So, Jesus still speaks to His Church today, “Behold, I am coming soon!” And the Church says, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”