Week 2
The Promise of the Prophets
“Where is the One having been born King of the Jews?
Matthew 2:2
For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
A star in the sky, in the night, in the dark.
The ones who we know as the wise men were scientists, astronomers. They had seen evidence of an amazing light event in the skies. So amazing was it that they went to the king (Herod) to inquire as to where this King of the Jews would be found. I find myself wondering if they were laying wagers as to his location … and, of course, a King so powerful would know where a new king was born.
In the Old Testament, Numbers 24:17 speaks of the star that would come …
I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near.
A star will come forth from Jacob,
and a scepter will arise from Israel.
Of course this passage is not necessarily referring to a star in the skies, but the rising of a great man, from the line of Jacob, the Jews. Yet, because stars were such a daily-relied on phenomena, those who studied them would know that a unique light in the skies was significant to their very lives. Plus, the arrival of other leaders (Caesar being one) was commonly announced in the skies.
This astral birth announcement alerted these wise ones. But their interest went beyond the norm, for they needed to know more about this King of Jews, whose star shone so bright.
A star will come ….
and He did,
and is brilliance still shines,
and the wise still seek Him.
God gave the Magi a star, not a road map.
Ian Simkins
Follow the direction God is pulling your heart
and worry less about needing to know every detail beforehand.
itsawonderfilledlife 