12.15.2017

Jesus, Our Light - Day 3

God's light shows the way


It's interesting to see how God used light to reveal Jesus when He was born--by a star.

The wise men who came from somewhere in the east had an understanding that this unusual Star meant that the King of the Jews had been born (Matthew 2:1-11). In obedience to that revelation (prepared hearts!), they kept at their quest to find this baby King until that same star actually led them to the very spot. I love how God uses the symbolism of darkness and light here--stars don't shine during the day. It was in the darkness that the wise men found Jesus.

Centuries before, a prophet named Balaam had actually called the coming Messiah a Star:

"I see Him, but not now;
I behold Him, but not near;
A Star shall come out of Jacob;
A Scepter shall rise out Israel...
Out of Jacob One shall have dominion."
~ Numbers 24:17, 19

And the apostle Peter, writing years after Jesus' resurrection, uses the same symbolism to call us to the Light of Christ:

"And so we have the prophetic word confirmed,
which you do well to heed
as a light that shines in a dark place,
until the day dawns and the
morning star rises in your hearts..."
~ II Peter 1:19

Those wise men from the East has been on their quest for a long time, weeks or months. While we don't know how they knew the king of the Jews was about to be born, they were looking. I love how God guided them with light--"we saw his star as it rose"--and made their mission successful--"we have come to worship him."

Throughout their whole journey, right to the baby in the manger, the star guided them. It speaks to me of God's delight in a seeking heart. Are you looking for him today? Trying to find the big answers for your life? Don't give up! He always rewards those who are true seekers. He will see to it that you have his light to show you the way.

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