FRIDAY December 29, 2023

Follow His Star

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2

Wise men, Magi, studied the stars using the natural science of astronomy. They had seen a sign, the star of a King, and they decided to follow its path into Judea. There were more than three Wisemen, as Magi often traveled with a large caravan of people for security. Once they arrived in Judea, they began to inquire: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” The Magi had come to worship and adore the newborn King.

King Herod was greatly troubled when he heard the news of a newborn King in Judea, the region over which he reigned. His throne was threatened and he decided to inquire where the Christ was to be born. He gathered all the chief priests and scribes, and they told Herod what the Old Testament Scriptures revealed: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel’ ” (Matthew 2:6).

Herod secretly spoke with the Wisemen and questioned them about the time when the star appeared. As sly as a fox, he requested they bring word back to him when they found the Child, as he, too, wanted to worship Him (Matthew 2:7-8), but he secretly wanted to kill the Child.

The star continued to light the way for the Magi to find the newborn King. It remained over the house where the young Child was to be found. Their long journey was rewarded. They entered the house and fell down to worship Jesus. The Wisemen gave gifts: gold, representing His royalty; frankincense, which recognized his deity; and myrrh, which related to His humanity and His coming death (Matthew 2:9-11).

Jesus called Christians the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Let your light shine so that others can find their way to Christ.

The believer is appointed to be a lighthouse to others, a cheering lamp, and a guiding star.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!