Jesus – the Morning Star Shining in the Dark Nights of Pain

“I am the Root and Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16).

Most people, whether chronically ill or not, have experienced sleepless nights for various reasons.  When we have pain, nights seem endless.  Although our days may not be much better, it can be a relief to see some light in the sky and know that our long and sleepless night is finally over.

Jesus is called the Morning Star in three places in Scripture (Numbers 24:17; I Peter 1:19; Revelation 22:16).  The Morning Star is not really a star at all, but the planet Venus.  It is most visible just before sunrise, and is one of the brightest objects in the sky.  The sight of this “star” means that night is nearly over.

What a wonderful representation of Christ.  Whether our dark nights are literal 8-hour ones or whether they are entire seasons of pain and suffering, the light of Jesus shines through.  His light illuminates His truths for us to hold on to during our times of darkness: He will guide us continually (Isaiah 58:11), He is continually with us (Joshua 1:9), His strength is made perfect in our weakness (II Corinthians 12:9), the mind controlled by His Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6), and many more.

Venus is also sometimes called the Evening Star.  It is the Morning Star when it is on one side of the Sun, leading it across the sky and being most visible a few hours before sunrise.  But when Venus is on the other side of the Sun, it is seen shortly after the Sun sets.  At its brightest, it becomes visible right after the Sun goes down.

How much that describes Jesus!  Whether our nights of suffering are ending or just beginning, Jesus is right there with us.  His light will continue to shine on us and for us, lighting up our sky with the glory of His presence.  So some dusk or dawn look for the light of Venus in the sky – and see Jesus.

Prayer:  Thank you, Jesus, that wherever I am in my suffering and pain, You are there.  May the light of Your presence give me hope, perseverance, and faith to bring me through my darkness.  Amen.