Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Isaiah 11:1 (NRSV)
An interesting story about “Morning Star.” Following the reunion of the Presbyterian Church in the United States with the United Presbyterian Church of the United States of America to form the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, the area of the country in which I was living (Virginia and North Carolina) found itself to consist of five overlapping presbyteries with two of the former PCUS and three of the former UPCUSA. The five presbyteries were restructured to form three and then these “new” presbyteries needed new names. One of the names suggested was Morning Star Presbytery and scriptural support for this name was found in Revelation 22:16. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star.” The name chosen was Presbytery of the Peaks, reflecting the mountainous/hilly region in which most of us lived. The name was also suggestive of the peaks referenced in the scriptures for example, Mt. Sinai, Mt. of Olives, Mt. Zion, etc.
O Morning Star, how fair and bright!
You shine with God’s own truth and light,
Aglow with grace and mercy!
Of Jacob’s line, King David’s son,
Our Lord and Savior you have won
Our hearts to serve you only!
Lowly, holy! Great and glorious, all victorious,
Rich in blessing! Rule and might possessing!
Jacob was one of Jesse’s ancestors. David was one of Jesse’ sons and he became King of Israel and would be an ancestor of Jesus. While the people of Israel were waiting for the coming of Christ, we, on this side of the cross look forward to Christ returning to earth and fulfilling God’s kingdom.
O Lord, we praise and thank You that Jesus is our Morning Star. He is the King, superior to Israel’s greatest king, King David. We thank You that we, like Jesus, have human and spiritual lineage. In His name, we pray. Amen.