Why A Star?

A star? Have you ever thought about why a star? In Bible study today we talked about how the star miraculously led the Magi (wisemen) to baby Jesus in Matthew 2. Think about the Magi – they were astrologers. They maybe didn’t know much about God b/c they grew up in the east where their “gods” were golden images. They were obviously restless in their faith because they wanted to go see what this “King of the Jews” was about. When I become “restless” in my faith, or feel the need to seek God more, what measures do I take to accomplish that? Would I follow a star?

So God knew beforehand, to lead them to baby Jesus, that He needed to use a star. Do you ever wonder how big it was? Do you ever wonder how long it took them to realize that that is what they needed to follow? Why did King Herod only send the Magi? He sent the Magi to find the baby so King Herod could worship Jesus too, but really he just wanted to kill him. In the passage it talks about all the chief priests and religious leaders who were talking about the prophecies that reminded them that a ruler would be born – yet they themselves didn’t go see the very face of God! The religious leaders, who preached about God daily, didn’t even understand the significance of Christ being born. They weren’t really applying what they were teaching or weren’t even obeying scripture for that matter.

So the Magi arrive in Bethlehem. The star led them to the place where Christ was born. They even brought gifts for baby Jesus. It wasn’t til today that I really saw the significance or how they related to Jesus. The gift of gold – He is the King of Kings, the authority, the one who is powerful. The gift of incense, which was used in ceremonial prayers – He is our mediator, our interceder, who connects us with our Father. The gift of myrrh, which is an embalming spice – Christ died to save us from our sins and myrrh was maybe used in his death – who knows. And maybe these conclusions are a stretch, but the study guide just brought up some good points that there was maybe a true purpose in each gift and that they almost “told a story” in who this Jesus was going to be.

So…am I a “star” that leads people to Christ? Do people recognize Christ in me by the “fruit” I bear? Am I a light that shines brightly for Christ? That was a huge challenge to me. During this Christmas season, it’s so easy to get stuck in our own “time,” in our own to-do-list, that we forget that every step we take, we represent Christ – in stores, in the car, at home, everywhere. One of my dear Bible study friends gave me a star off her tree & I have that star in a public place, to remind me to be a “star” not only this Christmas season, but ALWAYS.

As you can see, this Bible study has really given me a lot of insight into scripture – different insight. Working through scripture is something I will never complete and it’s so humbling to see all the insights God is continually showing me!