Tag: star
Wise men still seek Him!
Scripture reading for January 2nd: Matthew 2
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days 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 saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: . .” Matthew 2:1-5
As Matthew shared the events of Jesus’ supernatural birth and early life, he recorded this visit of ‘wise men’ from the east. These were probably elders or religious leaders from the land of Persia. They had been told of the Messiah’s coming by God through their study of the stars and had possibly been exposed to Jewish Scripture through Daniel and the Jews in captivity there. Their world view was being shaped by their history, education, and God’s revelation directly to them. As this ‘Star’ rose and guided them, they came prepared to worship this ‘King’ of the Jews. As they inquired where they might find Him, Jewish religious leaders told them from the prophet Micah, written about five hundred years earlier, that Bethlehem of Judea would be His birthplace. (Micah 5:2)
God is always at work to reach lost people and reveal a new path to know Him. He sent His Son to earth for that purpose. He drew Gentiles to seek Him Who was King of the Jews. He is still working today. When we have our world-view expanded to see His grand plan and offer ourselves to become part of it, a life of worship and joyful expectation results! Wise men still seek Him!
Have you initiated your search for true wisdom? Are you troubled by the revelation of a King Who is worthy of worship? Have you expanded your world-view by receiving understanding through Jesus.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your careful and thorough prophetic instruction concerning Your plan to send Your Son to earth to save lost people. Thank you for including all mankind. Open my eyes today and expand my view of life to include Your plan for a King. Amen.
The Son of the Most High!
Scripture reading for March 11th: Numbers 22-25, Luke 1
Key Scriptures: Luke 1:30-33 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Luke, inspired by the Holy Spirit, decided to write an account of the birth and life of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior of mankind. He wrote here of Mary’s supernatural encounter with Gabriel, an angel of God and special messenger to Israel. The angel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a Son. She was to give Him the Name “Jesus.” Her Son would truly be “Son of the Most High.” He would shine as a star and his scepter would rule forever and ever!
Numbers 24:17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.”
Faith Confession and prayer: Lord, thank You for announcing Your plans by the prophets of old and bringing them to pass in the fullness of time. Help me to proclaim the Name of Jesus and His wondrous work of salvation for all mankind.