When they saw the star

When they saw the star

Scripture:

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:7-12

Observation:

After finding out the location the Messiah would be born, Herod deviously informs the Magi to go to Bethlehem, asking them to report back to him so that he may worship him too. The Magi are oblivious of Herod’s intentions and follow his information, until they see the star again, stopping over the house where Jesus was. They then bow down to Jesus and worship him, opening their treasures and presenting him with gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Then, God warns them in a dream, not to return to Herod. So they return to their country by another route.

There are four main things we can learn from this passage. Firstly, we must always be on guard to discern by the Holy Spirit and not just with our human perceptions. Just like the Israelites of old who were deceived by the Gibeonites, the Magi too were deceived by Herod’s delightful words, when his cruel intention was to kill the Messiah. So too, we must be careful to discern and ask the Holy Spirit regularly in our dealings with others. Many things appear beautiful and good on the outside but there may be ulterior evil motives behind the scene such as the great promises of get rich schemes we frequently encounter today.

Secondly, we must be open for God’s leading. The wise men were frequently watching out for the star, and they quickly spotted it, at the opportune time, stopped over the house where Jesus was. In the excellent devotional, Experiencing God, we are encouraged to be open to see where Jesus is working and go and join Him there wherever we can.

Thirdly, the Magi bowed down and worshipped Jesus. They must have somehow recognized that Jesus would bring salvation not only to the Jews but anyone who would believe. That’s why they, although Gentiles, came to worship Him. We too need to worship Jesus with great reverence like the Magi did.

Finally, the Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, speaking to us about Jesus as King, Jesus as priest, and Jesus coming to die. The gold symbolized a gift for royalty, and Jesus was born to be indeed King of the Jews, although this will only be fully seen when He returns to rule in the new millennium. The frankincense used by priests symbolizes Jesus’ role as our great High Priest. As explained wonderfully in Hebrews, Jesus is able to intercede for us for He experienced all that we experience, and He is able to enter God’s presence through the sacrifice of His own blood. And then myrrh, a spice typically use in burials, symbolize how Jesus came specifically to die. His most important mission was to die and become the ultimate sacrifice to make the way for our salvation.

Application:

Be careful to discern by asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom in our daily lives. Do not be easily influenced by flowery words, and promises, but judge matters by the Holy Spirit. Also, be open to God’s leading, opening our eyes to see where God may be working and then doing our best to join Him there, following His Spirit. Meditate on our Lord Jesus as King, as Priest, and as our great Sacrifice. Praise His holy name.

Prayer:

Precious Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to follow Your leading. Grant me wisdom and speak to me in my daily dealings. Open my eyes to see what natural eyes cannot see. Help me be aware O Lord to recognize where You are working, and empower me to join You there, as You lead me. Praise You, Lord Jesus, for You are my Mighty King, and You will rule a kingdom which will never end. Praise You, Lord Jesus for You are my great High Priest, interceding for me, in Your great love. I thank You and praise You, Lord, for Your great sacrifice which has saved me. Only in You can I be saved. Praise Your holy name. In Jesus name, Amen.