Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 2:2, “‘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.'”

Background

“Everyone loves having a star named after them!” That declaration is the ultra-corny opening line of a website called Starnamer. On this website, you may “buy” a star and name it after someone for as little as $15. Some of the benefits of buying a star include choosing an “unusual gift that is unique and different, giving something that is both affordable and special, and it’s ideal for those who have been together for years and are struggling to think of new and inventive gift ideas.” As the site says, “stars are always guaranteed to please.” Now, if you have bought a star for someone or received one as a gift, I don’t mean to belittle you or the gift in any way. I am just skeptically amused and entertained by the claims and descriptions offered by this particular website. I’ve never had a star named after me, so I couldn’t say whether I would love it like “everyone” else who has loved it. I am sure of one thing, though, and that is that whatever stars out there that are being named after people, none will be as special as the one that led the wise men to the newborn King. No gold-embossed certificate or name in the Universal Star Catalog database will come close to matching the star that moved through the sky to finally rest over where Jesus was. 

Application

But if these wise men came from Persia like many think they did, consider what Jesus’ star might have led them through. I doubt it was an easy trip, following the expressway through the desert to the “Welcome to Jerusalem” sign. Though they followed the light from God, we can be fairly certain that their journey was no vacation. From there to here, they probably encountered long spells in the desert, or anxious days through dangerous plains, or sleepless nights watching out for wild animals. God’s light would get them there, but it was going to take commitment and perseverance. But if we’ll allow it, that should all be seen as part of the worship that they brought to the Savior. Instead of embittering them or discouraging them, it elevated the cause of their trip, as our journey should do for us. Following the light to the One who named all the stars is worth wherever it leads you. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, let the stars remind you of your journey, and let your journey remind you of the One who deserves our worship. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words