Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the day 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)
The Magi were determined in their search for the King of the Jews, whose star had appeared to them. They were astrologers, wise men, learned priests of their people, and committed to their astrological beliefs. God was strategic in getting their attention by choosing them based on their knowledge and special interest in astrology. Their homeland was Mesopotamia, between the Euphrates and the Tigris—the old land of paradise from which Adam and Eve were expelled because of their disobedience.
God’s strategic timing and wisdom are amazing!
Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! (Romans 11:33 NLT)
Now these wise men are following the star to worship and pay homage to the second Adam, Jesus the Messiah, the one who would obey the Father and pay the penalty for sin.
For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:17-19 NKJV)
To the wise men (Magi) the star was the beginning of the light, but they were walking in darkness. Yet, in obedience, they followed the star and God prepared for them a vision of what was previously hidden to human eyes, unheard by human ears and unknown to the man’s heart.
The star mesmerized them so that they could find the Child. Then, like now, God sovereignly calls, chooses and searches beyond our finiteness to reveal Himself. He called the wise men with a star that would capture their attention. He called the shepherds with a heavenly choir that would get their attention because music was a calming method while shepherding their flock.
God still desires to get our attention so that we will follow the Star. However, too often many cannot see the true Star because they are following astrologers who are walking in gross darkness. Our struggles, painful experiences and circumstances dull our vision and keep us looking down rather than up to see the Bright and Morning Star—Jesus.
As we celebrate this CHRISTmas, may God capture our attention, and may Christ shine brighter in our life so that those walking in darkness can see the Light and follow the Star—Jesus the Christ.
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