Dayspring and the Promise of Christ’s Return

Based on Scott Mitchell's Bible Lesson Christ’s Soon Return Will End the Darkness

The Dayspring Revealed in Scripture

The word Dayspring appears only twice in the King James Bible, yet it carries profound meaning. In Job 38:12–13, God speaks of commanding the morning and causing the Dayspring to know His place, a clear reference to His authority over creation and a prophetic reference to Christ’s return and judgment. Luke 1:78 records Zacharias praising God for the tender mercy that caused the Dayspring from on high to visit us, pointing to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this prophecy.

This term comes from the Hebrew shachar (dawn) and the Greek anatolē (a rising of the sun or stars). Both languages tie Dayspring to the breaking of light after darkness. As Malachi 4:2 proclaims, the “Sun of righteousness” will arise with healing in His wings. Jesus is both the S-u-n and the true light that pierces spiritual night.

The Dayspring and Christ’s Second Coming

Judgment and Righteous Reign

The Dayspring points to more than Christ’s first coming. Isaiah 2:12–21 and Psalm 2 describe the Day of the Lord, when all pride will be humbled and the rebellious will face God’s wrath. Revelation 22:16 affirms Jesus as the “bright and morning star,” signaling His soon return. The rising of the Dayspring is a picture of the final dawn when Christ will judge the earth in righteousness and establish His everlasting kingdom.

Light in a Darkening World

Scripture warns that scoffers will mock the promise of His coming (2 Peter 3:3–7). Spiritual darkness grows as evil multiplies and demonic influences increase, yet Romans 13:11–14 calls believers to “cast off the works of darkness” and “put on the armour of light.” The Dayspring will expose every hidden work, and no heart or deed will remain concealed (Hebrews 4:12–13).

Living as Children of the Dayspring

As joint heirs with the King of kings, Christians belong to an eternal royal family. We are called to reflect that lineage by walking in love, compassion, and humility. John 8:12 records Jesus saying, “I am the light of the world.” Those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

While we wait for the Dayspring to arise, we are to remain spiritually awake. Matthew 8:29 and Psalm 19 remind us that even the powers of darkness recognize Christ’s authority and tremble, and nothing will be hidden from His light when He arises to judge the earth. Our lives should testify to this hope, pointing others to salvation in Him.

Prepared for the Dawn

The promise of the Dayspring is certain. Just as dawn breaks after the deepest night, Christ will return to bring everlasting righteousness and peace. The question is whether we are ready. Have we trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, or are we still clinging to our own works? The time to believe is now, before the day of His appearing.

Let us live in anticipation of the Dayspring—confident in His mercy, steadfast in faith, and eager for the moment when He rises with healing in His wings.