"... the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (Mat 2:9-10)
The magi (wise men) saw a star that signified the birth of the Messiah-the King of the Jews. It is likely that they were familiar with the prophecies of the greatest wise man of them all…the Hebrew prophet Daniel who spent his life in captivity in service to the Babylonian and Persian monarchs. Daniel’s explosively precise prophecy concerning the Messiah (Christ) was probably studied intensively by these magi and influenced them in their decision to pay homage to this remarkable king whose birth was signified by a peculiar star.
On arriving in Israel it was probably an obvious decision to go to the palace to meet the King! After all where else would a king be born but in a palace?! Alas, however, it seemed as if they were the only ones who were interested in a new born king since all Jerusalem was troubled and perplexed along with Herod the king.
And how wrong we can also be in our assumptions that we should follow what seems the logical and accepted rule, which would in fact result in much confusion and distress. Confusion in the minds of people who ought to have known better since it was their scripture and their promise from Yahweh! It is amazing how sometimes we can be so blind and obtuse even though we have the Eternal Word of God with us yet fail to observe what is written there. Distress to ones like Herod, who sees a threat to security in every gentle breeze which stirs the dust on Jerusalem’s dirty streets.
If the magi had not assumed the obvious but instead simply followed the star they would have continued on a direct course to the Christ. Herod would have remained in ignorance and the children would have been spared.
In spite of varied explanations of the star it remains a mystery since it is recorded that after departing from Herod the magi saw the star which went before them until it came to the place where the Messiah was and remained hovering there. And “when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. “(Mat 2:10)
It reminds one of the Glory of God that led Israel in the wilderness!
For a moment the magi lost sight of the star resulting in the creation of confusion with tragic consequences when Herod ordered a mass murder of children in Israel.
Today it is so easy to lose sight of the Word which is ever present to guide and direct us. Instead we depend on our own logic and assumptions not remembering that all our wisdom is foolishness in God’s sight. We reason with our own wit and wisdom and ignore the plain directions in the Word. We make decisions without looking to our guiding star - the Word of God
Remember what Peter said: “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"(2Pe 1:16-19)
When the Word seems contrary to all reasoning it is then that we need to follow the Word. Let us not be sidetracked from our purpose by petty controversies, grievances and worldly counsel and wisdom. Let us not be so engrossed in following our own logic that we lose sight of the Christ. His WORD is a Lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path Psa 119:105. Trust it!
The magi (wise men) saw a star that signified the birth of the Messiah-the King of the Jews. It is likely that they were familiar with the prophecies of the greatest wise man of them all…the Hebrew prophet Daniel who spent his life in captivity in service to the Babylonian and Persian monarchs. Daniel’s explosively precise prophecy concerning the Messiah (Christ) was probably studied intensively by these magi and influenced them in their decision to pay homage to this remarkable king whose birth was signified by a peculiar star.
On arriving in Israel it was probably an obvious decision to go to the palace to meet the King! After all where else would a king be born but in a palace?! Alas, however, it seemed as if they were the only ones who were interested in a new born king since all Jerusalem was troubled and perplexed along with Herod the king.
And how wrong we can also be in our assumptions that we should follow what seems the logical and accepted rule, which would in fact result in much confusion and distress. Confusion in the minds of people who ought to have known better since it was their scripture and their promise from Yahweh! It is amazing how sometimes we can be so blind and obtuse even though we have the Eternal Word of God with us yet fail to observe what is written there. Distress to ones like Herod, who sees a threat to security in every gentle breeze which stirs the dust on Jerusalem’s dirty streets.
If the magi had not assumed the obvious but instead simply followed the star they would have continued on a direct course to the Christ. Herod would have remained in ignorance and the children would have been spared.
In spite of varied explanations of the star it remains a mystery since it is recorded that after departing from Herod the magi saw the star which went before them until it came to the place where the Messiah was and remained hovering there. And “when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. “(Mat 2:10)
It reminds one of the Glory of God that led Israel in the wilderness!
For a moment the magi lost sight of the star resulting in the creation of confusion with tragic consequences when Herod ordered a mass murder of children in Israel.
Today it is so easy to lose sight of the Word which is ever present to guide and direct us. Instead we depend on our own logic and assumptions not remembering that all our wisdom is foolishness in God’s sight. We reason with our own wit and wisdom and ignore the plain directions in the Word. We make decisions without looking to our guiding star - the Word of God
Remember what Peter said: “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"(2Pe 1:16-19)
When the Word seems contrary to all reasoning it is then that we need to follow the Word. Let us not be sidetracked from our purpose by petty controversies, grievances and worldly counsel and wisdom. Let us not be so engrossed in following our own logic that we lose sight of the Christ. His WORD is a Lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path Psa 119:105. Trust it!
