How should I understand Rev 2:28 which says we will receive the morning star when Jesus himself is the morning star?
QUESTION:
How should I understand what Jesus said in Revelation 2:28 when he said that he will give those who are victorious the morning star when he is the morning star?
Answer:
I assume you are aware that Revelation is written in a highly symbolic style. As a rule, we should not take what is described in Revelation literally. Apocalyptic literature such as Revelation should be taken figuratively.
Therefore, we should assume that Revelation 1:28 should be interpreted as symbolism. What Jesus is saying is that if we overcome and endure with him to the end, we will be saved. In a parallel passage which might help us to undersand Revelation 2:28 is Daniel 12:3. Concerning those who remain faithful until the end, God says, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and thlose who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for even and ever.
You bring up the point that it is possibly confusing that Jesus give us the morning star when he is described as the morning star. True, but in the context, he also tells us in v. 26 that he will give us authority over nations, when we know that he has authority over nations. “To him wo overcomes and does mi will to the end, I will give authority over nations…Just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star.” To paraphrase, Jesus is saying to us, what God has given me, I will also give to you. I think we should be cautious about overliteralizing what Jesus is saying here, but should get the big picture. If we are faithful to him, Jesus will give to us what he has with the Father in heaven. EXACTLY what this means, I am not sure, but I am very excited to get to heaven to find out.
To have the morning star is to have salvation with God, in heaven for eternity. I will admit that I may be oversimplifying this passage. Jesus might have something more specific in mind when he tells us that we will have the morning star. Perhpas he is talking about something more specific about what it will be like for us in heaven. I am not sure, so I will not speculate. I will leave it at that. He is telling us that we will be with him in heaven and will in some sense share with him what he has in heaven with the Father.
John Oakes
