JESUS SEALS HIS REVELATION WITH A FINAL “I AM” STATEMENT
Just as Jesus introduced Himself to John at the beginning of the book of Revelation with an “I AM” statement (See Rev. 1:8), so He brings the book to a close with a final one. What is an “I AM” statement? It is a testimony of Jesus that reveals something of His divine character or one of His divine titles. Its significance is rooted in its connection to the divine name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush as, “I AM” (Ex. 3:14). In Hebrew, the name is “Yahweh” or as some have rendered it, “Jehovah.”
In John’s gospel, he reported Jesus as using seven “I AM” statements (I am… the bread of life, the light of the world, the Good Shepherd, the gate, the way the truth and the life, the resurrection and the life, and the true Vine). In every case, the Jews clearly recognized that Jesus was claiming God’s divine name, thus claiming divinity for Himself. In fact, in the Greek, it is rendered “ego eimi,” which is the emphatic use of “ego,” which might be translated, “I, I am.” This makes Christ’s claim of divinity unmistakeable.
So what of Christ is revealed in this His final “I AM” statement? First, one should note how Jesus put His seal and autograph on this final book of the Bible, stating “I, Jesus.” Isn’t this how one signs a will or attests to some other legal document? Jesus wanted John to know that He stood behind every word in the revelation He had given him for the churches, so He signed His name to it. Then after His signature, He gave His title, which revealed the authority by which He sealed the message.
This “I AM” statement revealed at least three of Christ’s titles. One, was that Jesus is the “source” or “root” of David. This is a revelation of Christ as Creator. He is the source not only of David, but of all creation. Second, was the title, “heir” of David’s throne. This reveals His title as King and Messiah. Finally, was that He is the “bright morning star.” What did this title reveal?
Today, we know that the planet Venus is that which the ancients called the “morning star.” The ancient Greeks and Egyptians thought that Venus was actually two separate objects, a morning star and an evening star. For depending on the season, it goes by either name. For since it moves on an orbit closer to the sun than the earth, it either precedes the sun or follows it from earth’s perspective. When it precedes the sun, it shines into the morning’s darkness a few hours before sunrise. Thus, it is called the morning star. When it follows the sun, it is called the evening star.
It should also be noted that there is another who claimed this title. He was called “Lucifer,” which means “morning star” (Isa. 14:12). This was the name of the devil before he was cast down from heaven. Yet even now he continues to “disguise himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14).
But Satan was defeated at the cross. And as the book of Revelation reveals, he will one day be cast into the Lake of Fire to tempt and deceive humanity no more. The Lord Jesus has revealed this and has signed His name to it.
For Jesus is the bright morning star. He is the brightest of all things, for nothing outshines the Son. He is the morning star that shines into the dark night, preceding the Day when the sun rises on a new heaven and a new earth. As the apostle Peter wrote, “Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts” (2 Pet. 1:19).
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, we are humbled by the revelation of Jesus Christ. We join with the Apostle John and fall down at Christ’s feet. We are not worthy. Yet, because of Jesus we have been made worthy. We have been called righteous and even children of God. Therefore, we look forward to the Day when Jesus, our Creator, our King and our Bright Morning Star does appear. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus, In Your name we pray. Amen.