I love how every single time I read God’s Word there is something fresh and new. Every. single. time! What other book on the planet does that? Right? This month I have been reading the story of Jesus’ birth. From the Old Testament scriptures that point to His coming, to Joseph and Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel, the trip to Bethlehem, the Shepherds and the visit of the Wise Men. It is THE STORY that never gets old!
There is no certainty as to how much time had passed before the “Wise Men” (most likely Astrologers, called Magi) arrived on the scene. Most Bible scholars believe it was around two years. The Magi were most likely from Persia or Babylonia and definitely not worshipers of Jehovah. God, in His AMAZING plan, led some very pagan Gentiles from another country to bring gifts that would sustain this little family for years! So much I could say here…but on to the star.
In Matthew 2, King Herod becomes “deeply disturbed” when the Magi said, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” If you know anything about King Herod, “deeply disturbed” only begins to describe this madman!
Side note: This past spring, Paul and I were able to travel with a group from our church family to Israel. While there, I learned MORE than I ever wanted to know about King Herod. Seriously, Herod was one of the most evil rulers in history. HOWEVER, I also learned how God used this evil man to accomplish His purposes…in ways I had never realized before. Only God.
“He (King Herod) called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem…a ruler will come from you…’” Matthew 2:4-6
The Star led the Magi there. It was such a phenomenon astrologically, that they dedicated years to find it’s landing place. The Jewish priests and teachers heard about the Star from the Magi and King Herod and even quoted scripture from Micah 5 about Bethlehem, but they did not SEE the Star. That is the last we hear about the religious leaders in this story. So sad. They did not rush off to Bethlehem. They did not question the Magi about what they had seen. They went back to doing their “religious” things, their priestly duties. They missed one of the MOST important events in the history of the world. THEY MISSED THE STAR.
THIS I KNOW…
Our Father gently says, Do not miss the STAR. JESUS. The Star of Bethlehem. Our Living Hope. The King of Kings. The Prince of Peace.
He also implores us not to miss the “stars” He places in our paths each day.
What are the stars that I might be overlooking? A friend that needs a phone call of encouragement? A family that needs a meal? A grocery cashier that needs a smile and a thank you for their service? A neighbor that needs their yard raked? Widows, Orphans, Prisoners, Poor, Aliens? (see Psalm 146:5-9 and James 1:27) A loved one that desperately needs prayers of intercession?
What is keeping me from “seeing” the stars in my path? Busyness of life? Doing religious things? My own pride and selfishness? Apathy toward others?
As the seasonal expectations of the holiday begin to press in, may we be in a spirit of worship and prayer. It is so not about presents, decorations or even about religion. It is about Jesus. Period.
Oh Father…Do not let me miss THE STAR!
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