“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.” Matthew 2:2
This morning, I maintain a pause on my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) and use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional - which of course is in the middle (Day 8) of an Advent series. Today's Advent devotion explores the star that guided the Magi to Jesus. Piper exhorts readers to avoid a focus on what he refers to as "the marginal" by seeking to understand how the star led the Magi to Jesus or for that matter how any of the Biblical events occurred scientifically (i.e. Jonah in the belly of the fish, parting of Red Sea, the Great Flood, etc.). Instead Piper wants us to see the larger and primary themes, what he refers to as the central realities of the of the Bible and gospel narrative. What is clear here is that the star is doing something it cannot do on its own - God Himself of in control of Heavens and the earth and using the star to guide foreigners to worship Jesus. Piper points out that God does the same thing in the gospel of Luke where God causes the Roman empire to have a census that influences the location of Jesus' birthplace. These events are all part of God's design and all of humanity STILL participates in the unfolding of God's design. Piper points out as well that God's aim with the star in Matthew 2 was that all come to worship Jesus and ultimately in Matthew 28 that believers would go to all corners of the earth to tell everyone about Jesus via the Great Commission (see also Matthew 24:14). Piper concludes by sharing: "[b]ut what is not different is the purpose and power of God in the ingathering of the nations to worship his Son. The magnifying of Christ in the white-hot worship of all nations is the reason the world exists."
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good and You control all of Heaven and Earth, yet You are concerned with the details of my life and love me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and compassion. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
