A Closer Look IV
The Fourth in a Series of a Collection of Morning and Evening Christian Devotionals
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
His Star
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.
— Matthew 2:2
The Scriptures are replete with verses reminding us that God created all things, including the stars. “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16). “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power” (Isaiah 40:26). A new star was placed in the heavens for this joyous occasion–His star. Until now, this newly created star was not visible in the heavens. Here we have the God of Heaven and Creator of the universe placing this new star in the heavens at the birth of His Only Begotten Son–the Lord Jesus Christ.
His star alerted the Magi in the East. These wise stargazers (astrologers) tracked celestial bodies in order to predict future events. King Herod felt threatened by this new star. He called the Magi and sent them on a mission. These Magi came to Judea bearing the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Although Herod ordered the Magi to discover the birth place of this King of the Jews and report back, they were warned by God not to return. Joseph was led by God to take Mary and Jesus into Egypt and wait there until the death of King Herod.
His star alerted the angels and Heavenly Hosts that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born. There was immediate praise and singing among the Heavenly Hosts. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13-14). May we praise God’s providence and worship the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord, may we be wise, seeking and worshiping you.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
ACloser Look devotionals are intended to encourage the reader to take a closer look at individual scripture passages rather than attempt to read a defined number of Bible chapters each day.
Included in this series is a number of devotions on the parables of Jesus. The parables of Jesus were stories similar to metaphors intended to illustrate spiritual lessons. They were used to guide those who believed in Christ into deeper truths of the kingdom of God. Jesus stated that the skeptics would not understand the intended messages. “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand” (Luke 8:10).
Several of the parables in this text are kingdom of heaven parables. The author finds these parables extra special as they give insight into the importance of how men should live just as Jesus taught men to pray—“thy kingdom come”—as man lives in the presence of God’s kingdom and in the presence of His dear Son Jesus Christ. Emmanuel–God with us.
About the Author
ROBERT L. THOMPSON is an ordained Deacon with more than thirty years of Bible teaching experience in Southern Baptist churches among many diverse groups. He is the author of G.R.A.C.E. Evangelism–Five Steps to Fulfilling God’s Purpose in Sharing the Gospel, as well as A Closer Look, A Closer Look II, and A Closer Look III which are Collections of Morning and Evening Christian Devotionals. He and his wife Melissa have been married forty years and reside in Virginia. They have four adult children and one grandchild.