Star of Bethlehem-God's GPS

The new norm when going on a road trip is pack up, gas up, and set the GPS. No more, "Honey, are you sure you read that right? " when looking at a map. Instead it's "Turn left onto Seabrook rd ," in a monotone computer voice, or either "recalculating route." Then it doesn't stop when you keep going the way you know to go, and you have a small computer scolding you for not obeying! Whatever happened to the Good ol' days of following a picture already drawn out in full view? Can you imagine setting off and not having a clue as to where you were going to end up, not to mention how you would get there? Well, we all know when Jesus was born, a special star was born in the heavens as well. This special star was unlike any other already there and had a special purpose. It was foretold in Numbers 24:17 when it said,"....there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel..." Now this verse obviously meant Jesus, but the Lord also chose to place an actual Star in the sky to signify His birth. The ancient scribes and wise men knew all about this special star from their study of the Old testament scriptures and study of astrology (not for horoscope/Mickie Dane!)but for times, seasons, farming, etc. The wise men from the Orient that saw the Star appear knew what its meaning was. Matthew 2:2 says," 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." These men, how many for sure we don't know, set out on possibly one of the most dangerous road trips ever, or so it would seem to us. They did not know where it would lead them, other than somewhere in Israel, how they would get there, and maybe not even sure how long it would take. We know from vs 7 &16 of the same chapter that it took these men about 2 years to reach Jerusalem. I can't imagine how that  2 year road trip must have been on them physically, mentally, or spiritually. I know how I feel on a 4 hour trip to see family! :) But, God provided them with His GPS- A Great Proclaiming Star that His Son had been born. The wise men said they knew the King of the Jews had arrived because of it. It was also a Great Provisional Star in that it went before them to where  the Lord was and stood still over it so they could find the exact location.(vs.9)Lastly, it was a Great Protective Star that kept them from the anger of Herod. Verse 12 says that God warned them in a dream that they should not return to Herod, and that they departed another way. How did they know to return to their country by a different route? Even though the Bible doesn't say for sure, I think the Lord used the star! He had guided them thus far, and I don't think He would have stopped then. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us! So, the next time you set your GPS, think about that journey those men took that was the best calculated trip ever! Thank God for how He guides us in our lives, provides, and protects us as we journey through this life! Remember : Where God guides, He provides!

The Royal Invitation

 

In a kingdom when a royal child is born, everyone from royal family members to the poorest peasant are told the good news. Royal announcements are printed and sent near and far. It is part of a great celebration honoring the royal member that has entered this world.  I was listening to a Christmas song on the radio a few days ago that mentioned the angel's annoucement to the shepherds of Jesus' birth. A lightbulb went off in my head! This was God the Father's Royal invitation announcement that let the world know His Only begotten Son had been born. The angel in Luke 2:10-12 said," Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." God the Father had just sent some of the poorest members of His kingdom the best invitation that they could have received. They were told that Christ the Lord had been born, but have you ever realized that at no time in the annoucement were they commanded to go see Him! In verse 12 the shepherds WERE given a sign to know where He was so that they would know it was Him. Could it be that the Lord knew these faithful shepherds had been earnestly looking for the Messiah to come and He knew that they would go to see Him on their own? I believe so. God sent His royal invitation announcement of the birth of His only begotten Son to the ones He felt would be faithful to spread the message to everyone else. Verse 17&18 of the same chapter says,"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." The Good News was on its way throughout the town now because of their faithfulness. Why do you suppose the Lord chose to announce Jesus' birth in this manner? We may never know, but maybe it was to give those faithful, watching shepherds a special blessing and a job to do because He counted them faithful. What could we do for the Lord if we offered our best ability of availability like the shepherds did? There are no limits because all things are possible with God. This Christmas Season may we be found faithful and looking to God for anything that we can do to spread the Good News that God's Only Begotten Son indeed did come and WILL be coming again!