And When They Saw The Star
by PJ
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold wise men (astrologers) from the east came to Jerusalem, asking,
"Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him."
When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed and troubled, and the whole of Jerusalem with him.
So he called together all the chief priests and learned men (scribes) of the people and anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born.
They replied to him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are not in any way least or insignificant among the chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler (Leader) Who will govern and shepherd My people Israel.
Then Herod sent for the wise men (astrologers) secretly, and accurately to the last point ascertained from them the time of the appearing of the star (that is, how long the star had made itself visible since its rising in the east).
Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search for the Child carefully and diligently, and when you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him.
When they had listened to the king, they went their way, and behold, the star which had been seen in the east in its rising went before them until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was.
When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy.
And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to Him gifts -- gold and frankincense and myrrh.
And receiving an answer to their asking, they were divinely instructed and warned in a dream not to go back to Herod; so they departed to their own country by a different way."
(Matit'yahu / Matthew 2:1-12 Amplified Bible)
Who were these wise men who with their simple question shook the priests, scribes and King Herod? They were Zorastrian priests of the Persians who believed that the power of G-d was manifested in the Earth through the elements of fire, wind, water and, of course, stars. Interestingly enough, they sought the will of G-d from dreams and stars so they studied stars. They were advisers to leaders and royalty. The very thing they so desperately desired to see, G-d gave them. A star. The star of Messiah Yeshua!
But there is even a greater history behind these Magi and we can find it written in Dani'el / Daniel 5:11, "There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the holy God (or gods), and in the days of your father light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father -- the king, I say, your father -- appointed him master of the magicians, enchanters or soothsayers, Chaldeans, and astrologers." These wise men who had come to Jerusalem were descendants of those taught by Daniel in captivity. He had taught their fathers the signs that would herald the coming of the Messiah.
What star did they see? A star that appeared two years earlier during a convergence of planets including Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mars, the moon and the sun. The planet Jupiter which announced a King appeared in the sign of Aries, the Ram, which denoted the land of Israel. The signs of the heavens were declaring a new Ruler had arrived. No wonder the quest of these men looking for the King of the Jews troubled those in authority. They had not seen the very signs they should have known, a theme that has repeatedly played out in Jewish history. The arrival of the Messiah had come upon them unexpectedly.
I believe the wise men came bearing the best of all they possessed to give to the Messiah. In return they received the great opportunity to see the blessed face of the baby King. And as they worshiped Him and gave Him their gifts, immediately they received what they needed the most, a dream, a warning that probably saved their very lives.
We live in days where we must have the direction of G-d to lead us. In my heart, I believe we are being prepared to take a different direction than we have in the past. Things just are not the same as they once were and I believe everyone understands this. What we need most, the direction of the Most High G-d, begins when we seek and worship the King bringing Him the best we have to offer.
We cannot allow the light of G-d to become blocked in our lives with fear, stress, apathy, etc. Instead, we must find our focus staying on the Light Himself. My fervent hope and prayer for you is that during this season you and yours will seek out and worship Messiah Yeshua. He deserves all the honor and glory. Give Him your very best!
“Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified Bible."
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