The Guiding StarSample

The Star Convicts 

The Magi, historically were highly educated and knowledgeable men present in the courts of Kings – prevalent in Persia prior to Christ’s birth. They specialized in astrology, astronomy, natural sciences, etc. The bible says they came from the east.  What gave them this conviction? Was it their great knowledge and wisdom?

True the Jews were expecting a Messiah, and in addition to the old testament there were other secular writings and inscriptions available in other literatures and source eg. The oracle of Balaam in Numbers 24:7. Balaam was not a believer, clearly, but was, a wise man and astrologer like the Magi and his oracles were more widely available in many sources..it also included prediction of the Messiah in the book of Numbers.

“I see him, but not now;

I behold him, but not near;

A star shall come forth from Jacob,

A scepter shall rise from Israel,

And shall crush through the forehead of Moab

And tear down all the sons of Sheth. Numbers 24:17

This is viewed as a double prophecy of David and Jesus. We don’t know the Magis’ information sources. All we know is they are already searching for this Messiah. We know they want to worship Him and when anyone is searching with the motive of worshiping Jesus, the result is a guiding star. That is the beginning of their transformational journey. More than the great knowledge and signs, more than the star, it is deep conviction that drove them to drop their comfortable positions and start on this strenuous journey. 

So when the Magi undertake this journey, with all its challenges and reach Jerusalem, we hear the ring of solid conviction. In Matt 2, 1,2 we read Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “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.

They don’t say “is there a king around here?” They are dead sure and almost demanding - the King of the Jews is born..where is He? We saw his star (they knew it signaled Jesus’ birth). We have come to worship. Crisp, clear and completely convinced. He is alive. The conviction of these learned scholars prompt the King to enquire of the Jewish leaders on the prophetical background, discreetly. 

Along with our knowledge and desire to worship this great King, God provides a deep conviction on what we should do and where we should go. 

Are we truly seeking God’s path unfazed by journey dangers? Is deep conviction driving our lives to the path God has for us?