Have you ever wondered how the star led the wise men from the East right to Bethlehem? Listen to what Matthew writes in Matthew 2:1-6:
'Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet':
“ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
Numbers 24:17 "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob,and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel".
Then the narrative continues in Matthew 2:7-12 and the word "star" appears four times but it is a mighty sign and a part of the narrative of the birth of God's Son.
'Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way'.
British born biblical scholar Colin Nicholl has done some great study and research into this star and he has written a book combining biblical theology and the involvement of leading astronomers to make you be filled with awe and wonder at the Creator's power as you learn about the star of Bethlehem.
Try can listen to him being interviewed on an audio recording here: https://www.uniontheology.org/resources/bible/new-testament/up0053-the-star-of-bethlehem?utm_source=Union+Update&utm_campaign=f0a4937dc7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_12_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_733d3192ab-f0a4937dc7-291276369
He was interviewed by Eric Metaxas in Oxford as part of "Socrates in the City" and it is recorded on You Tube, the link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mT-8O8S_Fw
Listen to it, learn new things and be filled thrilled with the gospel!
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