Monday, January 9, 2012
Matthew 2:9-10 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
OUR GUIDING STAR
The wise men were led to Jesus by a miraculous star. Not only did this special star get them started on their journey from the east, but later on it actually led them to the very house where Jesus was.
It took no less a miracle to lead us into Jesus' presence so we could enjoy life as one of His dear children. For once we were enemies of God as the apostle says, "You were dead in your transgressions and sins ... we were by nature objects of wrath" (Ephesians 2:1, 3). How could we come to Him? How could we spend a moment in His company? By our own strength, we could not, but God made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. He forgave our sin. He warmed our cold hearts to trust His mercy.
We were led to Christ not by a star in the sky, but by the bright light of His word. It served as a lamp to our feet and a light for our path, guiding us in the way of peace. The gospel of Jesus is our star--the message of salvation and eternal life drawing us to Him. May the Holy Spirit ever lead us by that great, miraculous light!
As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright,
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Evermore be led by Thee!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 127:1)
