Astronomy
Today’s Verse:
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. ~Matthew 2:1-2
Astronomy is the study of the galaxy and universe. When we look up at the sky in the evening, we are at times in awe and wonder of the sun, the planets, the stars, the constellations, and the vastness of all of this. Stars, specifically, are mentioned 65 times in Scripture. They are the creation of God. Paul speaks of the glory of the stars and how each star differs in glory. Our Lord Jesus had a star that led an entourage of wise men to His location in Bethlehem. Let us see the lessons from the stars this morning.
We see the revelation.
The wise men testified that they saw His star in the East. These men were students of the Scriptures. They read Numbers 24:17, where it says there shall come a star out of Jacob and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. This star represented the Seed of the woman Who would bruise the head of the serpent. This star represented the Scepter that would come forth from the tribe of Judah. These men were also in submission to the Sovereign. They saw that this star spoke specifically about a King Who was born that was the greatest King ever. He was a King Who descended from the throne of David. He was a King Whose government would increase and see no end. These men had faith that this star was leading them to none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. The star was a means of revelation.
We see the radiance.
Stars are referred to as astronomical objects. They are luminous in nature. Mariners have used the stars to help them in their navigation. These wise men had a foretaste of Jesus, Who is the Light of the world. We live in a world darkened by sin. Yet, the light of Jesus shines light on those who are living in hopelessness, rejection, despair, and overwhelming anxiety. The light of Jesus gives a path to the wanderer. The light of Jesus shines truth where lies have misled. The wise men had faith in the star. They had faith that it would lead them to finding Jesus. Follow the light of the Lord from His Word. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Follow the illumination of the Holy Spirit as He guides and leads you into all truth. Have faith that the Lord will direct your steps.
We see the resemblance.
Stars are used as a metaphor to describe God’s people who turn many to righteousness. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). Wise men look for Jesus, but they also point others to Him. When we bring the gospel to those who are lost, we are helping them to come to Jesus for salvation. Wise men are soulwinners. “He that winneth souls is wise.” When we make winning souls a priority, we impact the lives of many people. Winning souls is essential in its impact. Winning souls is everlasting in its impact. Soulwinners shine as the stars forever and ever.
Make sure, this morning, that Jesus is the leading Star in your life! Rejoice, as the wise men did, with exceeding great joy in Jesus, Who is our bright and morning Star!
Have an illuminated God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Revelation 1-3