Follow the Star!

 

            When we examine the birth of Christ, we often think about the stable, the shepherds, and the overwhelming responsibility that Mary and Joseph must have felt, but we seem to ignore the visit from the Magi.  Yes, they appear in many of our nativity scenes, even though we know that Jesus was no longer lying in a manger when they appeared.  He and His family had moved to a house (Matt. 2: 11), and He was probably about two years old by the time they showed up.  We even consider the gifts they brought, gold representing Christ as King, frankincense representing His role as our High Priest, and myrrh, an embalming oil, foreshadowing His death. 

            We know those parts of the story well, but do we ever stop to consider what prompted them to make a 700-mile or more journey across a desert to find a baby?  They were Gentiles, so why would they be interested in finding the King of the Jews? We don’t know their specific country of origin, only that they were from the “East”.  We refer to them as “wise men” and sometimes as “kings” but they may have been astronomers or pagan priests.  In short, we only know that a miraculous star led them to find the King of the Jews.

            Obviously, the star, regardless of whether it can be explained by astronomy, had to be a miraculous sign from God that would challenge these men to travel so far to find a baby.  Still, would that be enough for them to take such a long and difficult journey?  Would that be enough for you to ride a donkey 700 miles without knowing why?  I get tired driving 700 miles, so I would have to have a pretty good reason to ride a donkey that far.  My point is that something beyond that star led those men to find Christ.  That “something” was so compelling they were willing to suffer hardships, a lengthy journey, time away from their families, with no idea of what they might find at the end of the journey. 

            Are we that compelled today?  What are we willing to endure to not just find Christ but to share Him with others?  Unlike those Wise Men, we know what lies ahead at the end of the journey.  Christ said that He was going to prepare a place for us (John 14: 2).  We don’t have to look for a star; we just need to follow Christ.  He knows the way, and He’s a far better guide than any star could ever be.  Will we have the faith of the Wise Men and follow where He leads or will we decide that the journey is too hard, or too long, or leaves too many questions?  The choice is ours!  Follow the star that is Jesus Christ or be left behind?

Matthew 2: 1 – 12

John 14: 1 – 4

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