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Matthew 2:1-2
So where was the star? It was leading the Magi to seek after the Messiah so they might worship Him. Here in Matthew chapter 2, we are introduced to the Magi. These mysterious visitors are very interesting. It is thought that had traveled from somewhere in modern day Iraq. We read in Daniel 2:48 that king Nebuchadnezzar placed Daniel in charge of all the wise men (Magi) in the kingdom. Subsequent kings honored Daniel greatly, so it is reasonable that he taught these men about the One True God. It is interesting to read what king Darius decreed in Daniel 6:26: "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end." Can you imagine a modern day king or president making such a proclamation? To me it illustrates that Daniel had been in a position to teach these sincere seekers of truth about God and the promised Messiah. Somehow they knew that the star they saw in their homeland represented the long awaited King. There was almost certainly a large contingent of Magi, not just three as we commonly think. As they asked the people of Jerusalem about the birth of the promised King, they created furor. Word came to Herod who called his spiritual advisors. They all knew that the birth was to be in Bethlehem in accordance with the prophecy of Micah 5:2. So here is the big question. Why did they not go to worship the prophecied Messiah? I believe it was because it would mean yielding up their spiritual authority. Herod was jealous of his political authority and they their spiritual. So instead of going to worship they remained. When Herod called the Magi to tell them that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem, it does not say that the Magi went there. According to Luke 2:21-40, His parents took Him to the Temple on the eighth day. Then in verse 39, we read; "When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth." In the Matthew account, it just says that Herod told them where Jesus was to be born and asked them to return after they had found Him so he too could go and worship. They did not use Herod's directions to find Jesus, the star led them, and it stopped over a house. They worshiped the precious king of Kings and lord of Lord's, and gave Him gifts fit for a king---gold, frankincense and myrrh. God sent an angel to warn them not to return to Herod, but to return home by another route. Much more could be said, but I want to stress that it was the Lord who sent a star to lead them to Jesus. In much the same manner He has sent the Holy Spirit to lead sincere hearts to worship Jesus in our day. Will we be like the wise men who pay the price to bow before the Lord, or will we be like Herod and the spiritual "elite" who refused to follow His star. HAVE YOU SEEN HIS STAR? FOLLOW IT TO HIM! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing. --- Pastor Cecil
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