Stars feature greatly among our Christmas decorations. More so than Santas, elves or reindeers! Of course the Christmas story features an incredible star, one that acted as an ancient GPS system, leading the Magi to Bethlehem. But did you know that Jesus is also described as a ‘star’, and in the very same passage of the Bible that features a talking donkey? Read on to find out more!
STAR OF JACOB
A Star shall come out of Jacob;
A Sceptre shall rise out of Israel,
Numbers 24:17
When we think of the prophets of the Old Testament who prophesied about the Messiah, we might think Isaiah, or Malachi, Jeremiah or Zechariah. But did you know that an ungodly and self-serving false prophet of the god Baal was used by God to prophecy about His Son? Balaam, was his name, and if you don’t know his story, it’s worth a read (Numbers 22-24). Not least because it features a talking donkey!
I love that God used a man with ungodly intentions and put His own words into his mouth, frustrating his attempts to curse God’s people. Balaam says in Numbers 24:7,
‘I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A star shall come out of Jacob: A sceptre shall rise out of Israel’.
A BRIGHT STAR APPEARING
In Eastern tradition the image of a star was well known to refer to a great and illustrious ruler, especially used in conjunction with the sceptre. This prophecy of Balaam’s had two fulfilments: the great King David who was yet to come, but looking much further ahead, it also pointed to King Jesus. It was very likely that this prophecy informed the wise men (Matthew 2:2). The appearing of a bright and unusual star in the sky that heralded the birth of a great new King set them on their journey to find and worship Him.
He would be the one who shone with brilliance, lighting the darkness, like a bright star in the night sky. His brilliance would become a guiding light, and a symbol of hope.
BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR
Turn to the book of Revelation and there you see Him as He is now (Revelation 1: 13-17), His face like the ‘sun shining in all its strength’. So glorious that John, the one who in life had been so familiar with the person of Christ that he had laid his head on His chest, fell flat on his face as if dead before Him. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus says,
“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
No more a baby in a manger, no more a humble man, He stands as the brilliant glorious resurrected and ascended King, the Star of Jacob shining for all eternity.
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Ask Yourself: How do I feel about God using an ungodly man to prophecy about the Messiah? Or about Him speaking through astrology to magicians from the East?
Ask God: Show me, Jesus, when I have failed to hear You speaking, or failed to see what You are doing, because of prejudice.
Pray: Thank You Jesus, that You are the Star of Jacob – the promised King that carries the sceptre forever. Thank You Father that You used the words of the most unlikely prophet, and a sign in the heavens to bring the Magi to Bethlehem. Thank You that their willingness to make that journey, and the rich gifts that they brought, tell us so much about how special Jesus was at His coming. Thank You, Jesus, that You shine in brilliant glory in heaven now, and one day I will see You, just as John did.
Help me to listen for Your voice, Father, and to know how to hear You. Thank You that I have Your word to guide me, and to use as a test for what I believe You are saying. Help me to be willing to be obedient to Your Word.
May the favour of Your face shine on me and my loved ones this Christmas.
Amen.
Further Reading: Matthew 2:1-14
This blog is an extract from:
Christ Illuminated: Seeing Jesus for who He is, an Advent Devotional
Purchase a copy direct from the author here
Or in paperback or ebook, from the publisher here
