Guided and Targeted by a Star

December 18                                                                     

Scripture Reading
Read Matthew 2:1-12 and reflect on the passage.

Mother called to me, “you’ve been out there too long, come inside now!” I was a star gazer by age 10, interested in the constellations of stars, and especially radiant Venus. Then and now, I am awed by its brilliance. 

The Star stood in the heavens, almost as brilliant as the sun, its sharp rays beaming steadfastly in the silent night. It had been foretold that it would move and point the way. Now, a great stillness came, and the Star was fixed. He who had been born was with all people, in every place on earth at this hour, and His spiritual presence would never again depart. The Star was seen all over the known world.  It was visible to the Wise Men from afar.

Bethlehem's Star signified birth and kingship. Relative to the Jewish nation, it rose in the East. It appeared at an exact time and endured over time. According to Matthew, the Star guided the Magi as they traveled south from Jerusalem, and came to a stop over Bethlehem.  How amazing and miraculous is this?

QuestionsDo we stand in awe and gratitude of Emmanuel with us?
Is our heart’s compass pointing us toward the radiant Star?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for all the guides You have sent to us: angels, Your Word, people, and even the "Bright Morning Star," Jesus Himself.

                                                                                                                                    Diane Ward

Matthew 2: 1-12

                                                      Epiphany Sunday

                                            God in the Flesh                                   

Epiphany comes from two Greek words basically meaning to shine upon, to reveal, or to appear or manifest. At this place in scripture, the Epiphany celebrates God’s revealing or manifesting of Jesus’ identity as true God, Messiah, and Savior of the world.

From The Journey (A bible for seeking God and understanding life)

Reasons to Believe:

Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Micah wrote that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5: 2) When the Maji and King Herod wanted to know where the new king would be born, the Jewish leaders who knew the passage well were able to tell them. Detailed predictions like these, show that the Bible is unlike any other religious book in the world. Jesus is the only holy founder of a major world religion whose birthplace was prophesied hundreds of years in advance of his birth.

Today “wise” men and women continue to seek the word of God, and strive to live as Jesus lived. The Maji (wise men) who followed the star and found the Christ child, were a great example of ignoring worldly directions to protect the sanctity of the Lord. Herod told them to find the child and report back to him so he too could go and worship the child. Knowing that the intentions of the king were not to worship but to harm the baby, they did not comply with his command.

Each day of our lives we are faced with worldly choices that can result in dishonoring the word of God. We can choose to ignore the negative forces in this world for the honor and glory of His name, or we can weaken and comply. Though we may falter along the way, and it is difficult to remain strong, it is “wise.”

Read/Listen to Matthew 2:1-12 

The Story - Chapter 22 - The Birth of the King

Matthew 2:3 (NIV) 
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 

I have read this line before, but I don't remember seeing the last part of it; and all Jerusalem with him.  What do these words mean?  I understand Herod's concern for he was worried about keeping his throne.  But why was all Jerusalem disturbed as well?

When I first recognized Jesus for who He really was, when my life was turned around and I began to follow Him, everything changed.  I can recall family members making fun of my new found religion.  I was called a 'holy roller', Jesus freak and was given a few other choice monikers.  I didn't understand the reason for I initially thought they would be happy.

The situation is similar for Herod.  He was fearful that everything would change.  He was disturbed by the way in which people reacted to the news of the birth of this child.  The Life Application Bible Notes reveals: "In some he awakened spiritual longs; in others, fear and insecurity."

Jesus still has this effect on the world. Herod knew the Jewish people expected the Messiah to come soon and many expected a great military leader, so Herod was afraid.  Today, we expect Jesus to return to claim his people again.  So, when one of us changes and begins to embrace Jesus as Savior, the world around us changes too.  And we all know how we feel about change...

There is a teaching in the Christian recovery world which speaks of hope and of Jesus Christ as that hope.  When we embrace the living Hope, Jesus, as our Higher Power we are to expect to change.

Read Matthew 2 here

Listen to Mathew 2 here