Stargazers
by Jim Strelan
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We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him (Matthew 2:2b).
Read Matthew 2:1–12
Do you ever read your stars in the newspaper or magazines – if anyone still reads those things? I mean, just for fun. So vague that what they say could be true for anyone! Some people take them seriously. They know their birth sign and enjoy learning others’ signs so they can read their character. Gazing at the stars to determine direction for their lives.
Some stargazers looked to the skies, and they pointed to Jesus. Men from the east, probably from modern Iran, not kings but astrologers, finding meaning in the stars. They follow an unusual star, and they go to the house where Jesus is with his mother and Joseph, and they present their extravagant gifts. And they bow down and worship him.
Quite extraordinary, really. Not people steeped in the Jewish religion. Not among those awaiting the coming of the Messiah. Not those who had studied the Hebrew Scriptures. But stargazers. Finding meaning in the stars.
We tend to think that there are set ways to find Jesus. We can create a list, and it’s not very big, but it’s exclusive. No other way. However, that puts things into a box, and God can never be boxed. He has several ways to reach seekers, and we might consider some of them unusual. Like writing in the sky. In a star. And this visit from these astrologers is perhaps a precursor, a pointer – this Jesus is not just for some, but for all.
Where do you look to find Jesus so that you can worship him? In the word? In a bit of bread and a sip of wine? In one near you in need of your help? In a broken relationship healed, shame and guilt taken away, in the face of a child who looks up at you with complete trust and faith? In the sky, the light of the sun, the moon and the stars, reminding you of the One who is light in our darkness? These Iranian astrologers found their way to the feet of the Christ-child, gave their precious gifts and worshipped him. Will you?
Jesus, I search for you. But you found me. In all the circumstances of my life, you found me. My looking and searching are now only to affirm your finding of me. Thank you. Shine your light like a bright shining star so that I can come and worship you. Amen.
Jim lives on Brisbane’s northside with his wife, Ruth. He enjoys reading and listening to music, is a proud Brisbane Lions member and loves his children and grandchildren. Jim is passionate about the gospel and the freedom it brings.
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