This self-description follows directly on the Lord Jesus' statement that the book of Revelation is his work. This self-description colours the value of this revelation (and vice versa).
The morning star
is what an astrologically minded observer would see in the eastern sky shortly before the sky begins to lighten in preparation for sunrise, namely, a single extra-bright star (which in fact is the planet Venus). This star, then, functions as a notice that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. By attaching this name to himself, Christ Jesus is saying that his appearance in the night sky of earth’s dark history is the precursor to the arrival of full day. Placing his designation as morning star
in direct association with what he has told the angel to testify (Revelation 22:16) indicates how one can see this morning star. That is, as you see these things
unfolding you know that Day is fast approaching (Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:20).
In his letter to the church in Thyatira, the Lord had promised to give the morning star
to those who conquer (Revelation 2:28). In that verse, the reference is an allusion to kingship, that is, reigning with Christ as a precursor to his full revelation as King of kings. The function of the term morning star
in these two passages should not be confused.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”