Matthew 2:2 – “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
The Devotional:
What was this star? And how did it lead the Magi to the Lord?
There have been many speculations. Some think it was a supernova, some a comet. Others a massing of planets or the conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus (a bright star in the constellation Leo). And some think it was the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus on June 17, 2 BC.
But there is another thought as to the star that led the Magi to Jesus. This thought comes from the fact that none of the previous speculations fully explain how the star “went ahead of” the Magi, nor how it “stood over where the child was.” Indeed, no known natural phenomenon would be able to stand over Bethlehem since all “natural” stars continually move due to the rotation of the earth. They appear to rise in the east and set in the west or circle around the celestial poles. However, the Bible does not say that this star was a natural phenomenon.
God can and does use the natural laws to accomplish His will. In Scripture, the biblical definition of natural law is the way that God normally upholds the universe and accomplishes His will. But God is not bound by the laws He created; He may (and does on occasion) temporarily suspend those laws when He has an important reason to do so. The virgin birth itself is one example of this; it cannot be explained within the norm of natural laws.
It should not be surprising then that the birth of Jesus would be accompanied by a supernatural sign in the heavens. The star that led the Magi could be one of those incredible acts of God—specially designed and created for a unique purpose. Whatever the exact mechanism, the fact that the star led the Magi to Christ is evidence that the star was uniquely designed, made by God for a very special purpose…to lead these seeking men to the feet of Jesus to worship Him.
In Philippians 2:15, we are told to live and to shine as lights to the world. As the star led the Magi to Jesus, we are to “shine” and lead those around us to Him also. You don’t have to be told that we live in a dark world, full of pain, hate and confusion. But God’s Word tells us to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. While others are chasing after physical pleasures and selfish gain, we are commanded to live a different way—to clothe ourselves with the presence of Christ and not let ourselves think about ways to indulge our evil desires.
Jesus also told us to let our light shine before others. He explained that no one lights a lamp just to hide it under a basket. A lamp is meant to be placed on a stand to give light to everything around it. Whether you’re timid or outgoing, you’re called to be a light to the people around you. That’s only possible if you’re taking time to interact with people and cultivate relationships.
Finally, Jesus reminded us of why it’s important to shine: “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). Our goal should never be to bring recognition to ourselves, but to bring glory to God. There’s a fine line between being a light and putting on a show to get attention. It’s a matter of the heart.
Practice:
To help your light shine this week (and in the future) practice these 4 things:
- Be careful what you say. Your tongue/speech can either encourage or discourage those around you.
- Consider your entertainment. Where do you go for fun? What shows or movies do you watch? What kind of music do you listen to? Would you go to the same places, watch the same things or listen to the same music if Jesus were sitting next to you? Or would you be embarrassed? It might sound silly, but asking those questions is a good way to keep yourself in check, whether you’re alone or with others.
- Use social media wisely. People are watching what you post, whether they interact with your posts or not. Think about the things you’ve posted recently and aim to make informed, respectful posts that represent the One you claim as Lord.
- Think of others. Consider other people’s needs and help meet them. Encourage instead of criticize. Be patient. Give others the benefit of the doubt. If you hear gossip, distance yourself from it or change the subject. When you encounter a difficult person, remember that they were made and are loved by God. Above all, treat others the same way you want them to treat you (Luke 6:31).
