IT WAS HIS STAR! -- Monday:
" . . . there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the East, and are come to worship him." (Matt 2:1-2)
Concerning the vast multitude of stars it is written, "He made the stars also," and "He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name" (Gen 1:16; Psa 147:4). Once, it is written, "From heaven fought the stars, from their courses they fought against Sisera" (Judges 5:20,NIV). But rarely do we ever read of a single star–the references to these celestial lights is always in the plural. Amos did speak of Israel, who in their decadence, worshiped a "star-god" (Amos 5:26). Acts 7:43 also refers to reprehensible episode. The NIV refers to Satan, prior to his fall, as a "Day Star" (literally early, or morning light, Isa 14:12). Prior to Jesus, the only other reference to a single star is a prophecy uttered by the strange prophet Balaam. "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel . . . " (Num 24:17). This, of course, referred to the Person of Christ, who stood out among all humanity like a star that could be seen in the daylight.
Our text speaks of a single star–one with an appointed mission in time. It is simply called "His star." It belonged to Him, spoke of Him, and led to Him. It was a unique star that was as prominent in the natural heavens as the Word was in "the heaven of heavens" (Deut 10:14; John 17:5). This singular "star" had been detected by some "wise men" in the "East." This was some area East of the promised land, which was the center of Divine activity. We do not know how far away "His star" had been seen. However, when they finally found the newborn King, He is called a "young child," and Joseph and Mary were in a "house" (Matt 2:11). Later, wicked Herod would slay all of the children "from two years old and under," in order to rid himself of the threat of a newborn king (Matt 2:16).
This star–"His star"–appears to have dominated the heavens, then, for some time. If those upon earth would not give Him due honor, the heavenly bodies would! The star was most prominent, standing out among the other stars as surely as the Son of man stood out among other men. So far as the wise men were concerned, it was "THE star." They had no interest in any other stars, even though they may very well have been involved in some form of astrology. The word "wise" men means "magi" (NIV,NASB), and means one trained in astrology and dream interpretation (Barclay-Newman Greek Dictionary). We have no knowledge of the extent of their involvement, if any, in the curious arts. But if they were traditional wise men from Persia or Arabia, they abandoned their pursuits when they saw "His star," and came to worship the real Lord.
The "wise men" came strait to Jerusalem, the city where God had placed His name (1 Kgs 11:36). If they were to find the One chronicled by the star, they would have to inquire in God's city. Their own wisdom was useless at this point. They apparently asked throughout the city–how long, we do not know. But eventually, wicked king Herod got word of their inquiry. It was a troubling inquiry. It is written, "When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him" (2:3). Having summoned experts in Scripture, he found the newborn king was to be born in Bethlehem (2:4-6). He then called the wise men secretly, asking them about what time "the star" had appeared. Telling them where the child was born, he sent them on their way, asking them to return when they had found him.
As long as the wise men were inquiring in Jerusalem, it appears the star vanished from their sight. While they were conferring with others, "the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was" (2:9). I do not know at what point they lost track of "His star," but they refused to abandon their search. They remained alert, looking for the star. We know this is the case because it is written, "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy" (2:10). How their hearts leaped for joy! They had found the one for which "the star" had prepared them.
This was a special star with a special mission. There was no need for it before Jesus was born, and its ministry was completed after Jesus was born. It was a heavenly body, created by God, for the express purpose of guiding some wise men to the Wisest Man. They were the only ones the record declares saw it. It was for them!
PRAYER POINT: Father, surely, if you could lead wise men of the, but unlearned in Your ways, to holy Child, surely You can draw men to Him now that He is exalted. In the name of Jesus, I ask that You use me in leading needy souls to Him.