BEING SOUGHT BY THE STAR
As the Christmas story is re-told every year, there are characters that stand out and amaze us. The wise men from the east who saw the star of Jesus and came to worship him is worthy of closer study.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1,2)
These were wealthy men, perhaps kings, who were well versed in studying stars. Astronomy was ingrained in many of the ancient cultures and observation of stars was used to create calendars, identify special days, direction for navigation and to keep time. The Magi or the wise men here, obviously knew enough about stars to recognize the new one as something special. They also specifically identify this star with the birth of the king of the Jews, whom they recognize as God as they then proceed to worship him. These men were not only educated, but also wise- to have a keen sense of the God who is behind all knowledge and creation. Later in the story we also see the Magi being sensitive to God’s dream to return to their country by another route.
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:12)
Again we see an ability to discern God’s words through their dream, take note, agree (perhaps the most difficulty thing in today’s world when two or three get together), and then decisively change their decision in obedience to God. Just imagine if they had instead decided to stop at the king’s court and collect a gift as they left town, having worshipped Jesus, ——- because in today’s insane religiosity, is it not all about getting rich through knowing God?
The highest form of knowledge is to be able to see the unseen God and recognize the spiritual foundations of the universe we live in. To be able to recognize God’s laws and his nature permeate through all things and be able to be sensitive to his leading as we journey through this physical-spiritual life is the greatest accomplishment man can have. And when that is true, all knowledge and possessions become meaningful in being subject to the One who reigns above all.
That is amply demonstrated in the story of the Magi, who weathered the dangers of a long travel and the wrath of a megalomaniac king to come and worship the baby who was God and King. And for such men and women, much like the star moves ahead of them to guide them to their destination, all of creation re-orients to aid them in their journey of worship. Much like they sought the star, the star was seeking them and aiding them. The land you live in becomes more productive, your surroundings are blessed, the people you come into contact with find peace, abundance chases you and most importantly it all makes sense as you tie it all together in worship of Jesus, the Eternal Star and God.
If you want the stars to chase you, seek the Star!
