Shiny Things

N. T. #6 "Shiny Things"

Feb. 14, 2023

Matthew 2

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. (verse 2)

LET IT GLOW

Happy Valentines Day everyone! I hope today you feel loved. Know that God loves you with an everlasting love. 

Last night when we got home from church, I noticed the stars shining in the sky. It had been a while since this occurred in our area. What a reassurance that God is still in control. Today we study about some men who followed an extraordinary star.

Chances are that most of have heard the Christmas story since children. Here are some important details which Matthew mentions:

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea.
• This happened during the reign of Herod, king of the Roman Empire. 
• Then there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem to worship his King of the Jews. (verse 1)
• Herod became troubled about this and all of Jerusalem with him. (verse 3)
• Herod gathered the Jewish chief priests and scribes and demanded them to tell him where Christ was to be born.(verse 4)
• Their answer was Bethlehem told in the verse found in Isaiah 9:6; He was to become Governor.

You know how one came learn something new when rereading Scriptuers? I am one today. all my years I have though the wise men came from the area of Egypt, following the star east. Not so. The wise men came from the Babylonian area FROM the east, not going to the east. 

Why did the wise men follow the star? They went to worship the Messiah.

Worship, in the Greek language, means prostrate oneself in homage.

It is unlikely that this star could only have been a natural phenomenon since it led the wise men to Jerusalem and later Bethlehem. The child born in Bethlehem, where the star was, was Mighty God in the form of man. His government shall never end.

And we know the wise men brought Jesus gifts which were significant. What a plan! Lowly shepherds worshiped Jesus and wise men did too.

Folks, we are wise when we worship only Jesus as Savior.

LET IT GROW

After asking what time the star appeared, Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem. It was probably 2 years earlier, making Jesus probably that age. (That is why he made a decree to kill children at Bethlehem from 2 years of age and under.)

Herod told the wise men to send him word so he could come and worship the child. Right! He was intending to kill Jesus, not worship Him. We know they did not do that and departed a different way. (verse 12)

Sometimes we need discernment from the Lord as to which way to go.  

LET IT GO

Help us let go of shiny material things and turn to You, the Light of the World.

May we grow wise as we study Your Word.

Thank You, God, that You pay attention to the small things in our life.