Jesus the Root and the Offspring of David
Revelation 22:12-16
"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
As John finishes writing the Book of Revelation, he reminds us of at least four responsibilities that we have as believers. First, we are told that we must “keep His Word” (v. 10). Second, we are to be obedient servants (v. 12). Third, we should keep our lives clean (vv.14-16). The contrast here is between those who do God's commandments and enter the city, and those who reject His Word and are excluded from the city (see Rev. 21:8, 27). It is not likely that those who "do His commandments" are a special or an elite group of saints. The phrase, “do His commandments”, is similar to "them that overcome", and characterizes all the people of God. Obedience to God's Word is a mark of true salvation.
Fourth, we should be expecting Jesus Christ to return at any time. Three times in this final chapter of the Bible, Jesus proclaims that He is coming quickly (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20).
It is interesting to me that the last chapter and verses in the Bible would mention several names and titles of the Lord Jesus Christ. Over the years as I have taught about the names of God in the Bible, we have noted that there are over 700 names and titles of God that help describe His character and attributes! Our God is such an awesome God, and He is so great that all these names only begin to describe Him! And all the names of God find their fulfilment and manifestation in the Person of Jesus Christ.
Here in this last chapter, Jesus is called the “Lamb” (v. 3). Twice, Jesus makes the statement, “I Am….” (vv. 13 & 16). This brings to mind what Jesus said to the Pharisees in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Jesus is the Great I AM! Jesus claimed to be God! This is reference back to God’s appearance to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where “God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "
Here in Revelation 22:13, Jesus also told John,“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." Jesus reminds us that He is before all things, and He is after all things, and only by His word do all things consist. In Colossians 1:15-19 we read: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell”.
In Revelation 22:1, Jesus also claimed to be “the Root and Offspring of David” and “the Bright and Morning Star.” The "root" of a plant is buried in the ground where no one can see it, but the "star" is in the heavens where everyone can see it. In "the Root and Offspring of David" we have Jesus' Jewish, national name, but in "the Bright and Morning Star" we have His universal name. The “Root and Offspring of David” speaks of His humility and humanity, the “Bright and Morning Star” speaks of His majesty and glory.
As "the Root... of David," Jesus Christ brought David into existence. As "the Offspring of David," Jesus came into this world, born a Jew from David's line. Both the deity and the humanity of Jesus are evident here. For a parallel, read Matthew 22:41-46 where Jesus asked the Pharisees whose Son was the Christ. Of course they had to answer, “The Son of David”. Jesus then asked them, “Then why did David call Him Lord?”
Today, it my prayer as we meditate on these things, that our hearts will rise in praise and worship of our awesome Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
God bless!
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