PONDER: THE BRIGHT MORNING STAR!

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near—a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel… Numbers 24:17

We weren’t, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: “This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight.” We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears.
We couldn’t be more sure of what we saw and heard—God’s glory, God’s voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You’ll do well to keep focusing on it. It’s the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:16-19 MSG

“Here’s the reward I have for every conqueror, everyone who keeps at it, refusing to give up: You’ll rule the nations, your Shepherd-King rule as firm as an iron staff, their resistance fragile as clay pots. This was the gift my Father gave me; I pass it along to you—and with it, the Morning Star! Revelation 2:26-28 MSG

“I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I’m the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star.”
“Come!” say the Spirit and the Bride. Whoever hears, echo, “Come!”
Is anyone thirsty? Come! All who will, come and drink,
Drink freely of the Water of Life! Revelation 22:16-17 MSG

What words or phrases stand out to you (what is the Spirit highlighting to you)? Why do you think this is?
How does living in God’s Light affect you? (Consider its influence in these verses.)
What might God be saying to you? To your neighbours?
How might the Spirit be nudging you to respond?

You might want to journal your responses.

PRAYER PROMPTS

Let the Star of Morning Rise

Lord God
In the deepest night
There rises the star of morning,
Of birth,
The herald of a new day you are making,
A day of great joy dawning
In yet faint shafts
Of light and love.
I hear whispers of peace in the stillness,
Fresh breezes of promise
Stirring,
Winter sparrows
Chirping of life,
A baby’s cry
Of need,
And hope–
Christmas!
In the darkness I see the light
And find in it comfort,
Confidence,
Cause for celebration,
For the darkness cannot overcome it;
And I rejoice to nourish it
In myself
In other people,
In the world
For the sake of him
In whom it was born
And shines forever,
Even Jesus the Christ.
Ted Loder, Guerillas of Grace

PRACTICE: CREATION CARE

Reflect over the last month. How have you been doing at loving all that God has made?

Continue to demonstrate your respect and care for the natural world… recycle, compost, reuse/recreate, and strive to reduce your energy consumption, plastic use and carbon footprint.