Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 2:10, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”

Background

I’m not much of a star gazer. I live far enough outside of town and away from its lights to have a wonderful opportunity to look up and appreciate the heavens on any clear night, but rarely do the sparkling lights catch my attention. Occasionally the brightness of Venus is captivating, and the full moons are hard to ignore, but beyond that, the most I notice is what I glance at on my way into the house from the car. And I have definitely not noticed a star that moves me to rejoice with exceedingly great joy. The star that brought the wise men to Jesus was clearly unique. Scientists have debated its occurrence and explanation for centuries. But when the magi showed up at Herod’s place, they still had some more looking to do to find where Jesus was. The scripture says they saw His star in the East. But it doesn’t say they followed it day and night until they knocked on Herod’s door. Perhaps they did, but that part is not clear. But when they leave Herod, the star goes before them and stops over where the young Child was. And that fills them with exceedingly great joy.

Application

And that’s why I wonder if the wise men hadn’t seen the star for a while. Somehow it got them to Bethlehem, but there seems to be doubt among the men as to what to do next. But when they exit Herod’s home, the star is back. God’s message is speaking to them again, and it takes them to the door of the Son of God. Maybe the star was something only they could see. There’s no way to be sure. But whatever it was, what they had seen in the East was visible again, and it filled them with exuberance. The trip had not been in vain, and their eyes were going to look upon the Savior. It’s a reminder to us of all that points and leads us to Jesus. As we go through each day, time passes from when we first saw our star, and we might wonder about our journey. But His star from the East is still there for you and me. The trip is still worth it, and we will look upon our Savior one day, forever. I guess I’ll give a little more notice to those stars in the heavens from now on.

Charge

As we seek Him today, let all that comes your way point you to Jesus. Surrender your travel plans and let His star from the East guide you again.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words