I see him, but not here and now.
I
perceive him, but far in the distant future.
A star will rise from Jacob;
a scepter will emerge from Israel. –Numbers 24:17 (NLT)
A star shone brightly in the heavens -- His star.
The magi who saw it knew they had to follow! [WORSHIP FULLY] Possibly hailing from
somewhere near Babylon, they would have been familiar with the stories of the
biblical prophet Daniel, who had been appointed in his day as “chief of the
magicians.” Daniel’s teachings and the
biblical writings his people brought into exile, including those of the hope
for a kingly Messiah, would have been passed down through generations of wise
men.
These magi were astrologers.
They drew on their knowledge of astronomy and prophecy to watch the
heavens for a sign. God spoke to what
they would understand by using the star.
So convinced were they when they saw it, they packed treasures and followed
the mysterious star to the capital city of Israel, Jerusalem, ready to worship
the King of the Jews.
After an encounter with King Herod, these magi followed his word. “Go and search diligently for the child, and
when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” (Matthew 2:8)
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, with the star leading them, the magi “fell
down and worshiped Him. Then opening
their treasures they offered Him gifts.’ (Matthew 2:11) [GIVE MORE]
Being warned in a dream, the magi departed for home away from Jerusalem.
Interesting observation about this story: The magi were Gentiles. They were ‘heathens’ who became God’s
servants. The beginning of the
fulfillment of the promise to “bless all families on earth”? (Gen. 12:3) [LOVE ALL]
Generous God, may your Spirit move us to
recognize peoples of all nations and languages as your own.
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