“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations — He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—
as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star.” Revelation 2: 26-28
The Lord brings His letter to a close. He now tells the few overcomes what their reward will be if they remain faithful; if the heed His exhortation to hold fast no matter our situation.
And he who overcomes There are a few, even in this compromising church that iare overcoming. An overcomer is a follower of Christ who endures by resisting the temptations of Satan and the world system. The word overcomer is from the word nike which means “to carry off the victory”. The Lord uses this word yo remind the faithful (us?) they are in a spiritual battle. (Never forget that!)
And keeps My works until the end This group obeyed the Lord
through a hard trial. The Lord knows that and encourages them to hang on, to old fast. He encourages them to continue to show their love to Him by their obedience. Note the Lord’s focus on their continued obedience to His word (deeds). This is what they are to
hold fast until He comes. Stay the course! Remember the Lord told them He knows their work. He sees this group is staying true as the whole world veers away from Him. The Lord knows!
To him I will give power over the nations The one who endures to the end will be rewarded. The overcomer will receive authority from the rightful Judge of the whole earth. They will use this power
(authority or right) to govern the Gentile nations during the Lord’s millennium reign.
He shall rule them with a rod of iron The Lord quotes from Psalm 2. Overcomers will rule and, unlike in their current situation, they will deal with people like Jezebel.
They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels The Lord tells these overcomers that His reign will be one of righteousness. The implication is that the sin and rebellion they are now experiencing in the church (and outside as well) will be judged immediately. They will be crushed as easily as the potter breaks one of His imperfect clay jars.
As I also have received from My Father and I will give him the morning star There are many interpretations of the term morning star which has caused confused among readers. In this context the Lord is discussing those who will rule with Him. The term is used in scripture of rulers or those who desire to rule others. Isaiah 14:12 depicts the fall of the King of Babylon, referencing him as the “morning star, son of the dawn,” symbolizing his once-exalted status and subsequent descent. It also refers to Satan who desired to rule in place of Christ. Here the Lord reassures the overcomers who will reign over the nations. These promises are from the true ruler, the real bright and morning star. There are many who desire His position, but there is only one, given by the Father (God), who has the right to rule
the nations. That one, the Lord Jesus Christ, delegates authority to rule with Him only to overcomers.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches The Lord ends this letter as He does every other one. There is something in this letter for everyone. For those rebelling against the Lord, there is a warning to repent. For those who have lost their moorings and are following a false prophet there is a call to turn
back and follow the Lord. For those who have the authority and responsibility to act on behalf of the Lord there is the call to deal with the sin that plagues the church. Finally for the faithful and possibly fearful there is a call to endure. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. But to all of us who have ears to hear there is the call to hear. The question for all of us is, are we willing to hear and obey?