Jesus Christ introduced Himself as the Bright and Morning Star in Revelation 22:12-16 before making some important declarations concerning His expectations from us as well as our promised reward. He was very clear about His expectations because not only does He want us to be like Him, He also wants us to perform greater works (John 12:14).

To become shining stars like our Lord Jesus, we must ensure that we do two things. One, we must acknowledge that we were filthy sinners before we encountered Jesus (1 John 1:7-9, Romans 3:23). This knowledge will take us to Calvary where the Bright and Morning Star bled and died for us to access forgiveness and cleansing. This is when we confess and repent of our sins. Two, we must live strictly by His standards. Many people want to benefit from the innumerable blessings of the Bright and Morning Star including shining in the darkness of this world, but they are not ready to surrender completely to His Lordship. If Adam and Eve had known whom they belonged to, they would never have succumbed to the deceit of the devil which suddenly turned their day into night.

What are the characteristics of the Bright and Morning Star? He never sinned; hence, to shine like Him we too must live a sin-free life. Many may claim that this is impossible, but it is possible because the Bible says those who are born of God do not sin; indeed, they cannot sin because the seed of God is within them (1 John 3:9). How? John 1:11-12 says that as many as believe Jesus, He gives power to become children of God.

The Bright and Morning Star has never been overwhelmed by darkness; even in the day, He still shines brightly to the whole world. The Bible says, “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5). Sickness is a form of darkness and Jesus Christ was never sick. I therefore declare that the Bright and Morning Star will make sickness history in your life.

Do you want to shine like the Bright and Morning Star? Give your life to Him first, and then begin to live strictly by His commandments.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.