ONE STAR

Coffee Cottage is a popular coffee shop near George Fox University. One of their favorite draws for students is the free wireless service. Often I come in to find many tables occupied with folks writing papers or working projects on their laptops. But unless a person knew that wireless was free and available, they could work on their computer and have no idea they could access internet connection capability simply by asking for the password.

Meditation
Matthew 2:1-3-After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

It more than amazes me that wise men after careful examination of the heavens would observe a special star, interpret its meaning and follow it so as to worship a baby king. But as I began to meditate on the Magi and their special trek, several thoughts came to mind.

That star was not just available to their eyes; anyone with a clear view of the heavens could see it. Yet, they were the only ones who understood its significance. Why? Was it because they faithfully studied the stars and when this new amazing light showed up they were ready because they were looking for it? These Magi were not even Jews for all we know. The Jewish religious leaders would have considered them as heathens. Certainly, it must have offended them to hear that these men foresaw a king to be born for their own people and they knew nothing of it. The mere fact that they came to worship further reveals a relationship with God that must have flabbergasted the Jews.

Is it possible that God wants to lead me today and the star is in plain sight but I don't see it? Am I so occupied with myself and my own things that I miss His word, His prompting? Like Herod, do I become so concerned with my kingdom that anyone with a new word is a threat? I think God communicates with us in many ways. Romans 1:20 records, "From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse." The star is there but we don't see it. The star is there and we see it but don't understand and therefore ignore it.

Oh Lord, am I so in love with You that I see what You want me to see? Do I hear Your whispering voice? Help me Lord, to be like the Magi!

Inspiration
To their (the wise men) amazement they find none who seem to have a knowledge of the newborn king.-Ellen White in The Desire of Ages