November 18

Revelation 2:26‑28
 
“And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of My Father. And I will give him the morning star” — Revelation 2:26-2826And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28And I will give him the morning star. (Revelation 2:26‑28).
ONE can scarcely imagine a church in a worse condition than that of Thyatira. Superstition had taken the place of faith for the great majority. Immoral conditions prevailed and were condoned by the leaders. An unclean woman had obtained and maintained a strange influence over many who professed the Christian name while denying it in practice. But there was a remnant, a few to whom Christ was precious, and who were grieved to the heart over the state of the assembly. To these the Lord gave comforting words and a precious promise. He bade them hold fast until He returned, and assured them that even though they suffered now they should reign with Him in the day of His manifestation. Then He added, “I will give him the Morning Star.” This is the blessed Hope of His coming for His own before the last storm of judgment breaks over the world. He Himself is the Bright and Morning Star. He is the One for whom His people wait. To behold Him as He is and to be caught up to be with and like Him forever—this will repay abundantly for all His afflicted ones have had to endure from the prince of this world and his emissaries.
“Thou Bright and Morning Star.
Oh, with what deep delight
Thou’lt come again,
And claim us then.
To dwell in cloudless light!
And oh, what boundless joy
Shall fill each raptured heart,
When we abide
At Thy dear side,
No more from Thee to part!”
—G. W. F.