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WITH HELP OF KNOWLEDGE WE SEARCH THE STAR (MATTHEW 2:1-12)

REFLECTION

“With help of knowledge, we search the Star” is the theme of our reflection. Knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience. Today, the study or knowledge about the stars is part of a branch of study known as astronomy. The wise men from the east did not have knowledge of the prophecy of the birth of Jesus Christ but they had knowledge of stars, their nature and what they stood for. With the help of knowledge, as they searched for the Star that indicated the person and the geographical location of where Jesus the Saviour was born, prophesy was being fulfilled! “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.” (Matthew 2:1-2) With the exception of Mary, Joseph and a few Jews who had the revelation from the Angel that the King of the Jews and Saviour of the world has been born in Bethlehem, Judea, King Herod had no idea what was happening!

Similarly, although the Chief Priests and Scribes of the Jews were familiar with the Scriptures and knew what the Prophets have said about the birth of the King of the Jews and the Saviour of the universe, they were limited in knowledge and had no idea that prophecy has been fulfilled. “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.’” (Matthew 2:3-6)

Those who had knowledge of the prophecy were not ready to meet Jesus the King, they ought to have had knowledge of the birth of Jesus but God gave the actual knowledge of the birth of the King through the Star to non-Jews who were ready to meet the King and honour Him. Dear friend, if you want Jesus but do not need Him you may not have the knowledge to find him but if you need Jesus in your life God will give you the knowledge to meet Him. Repentance is key to gaining the knowledge of meeting Jesus the King. King Herod wanted Jesus but did not need Him in his life, similarly, the Chief Priest and Scribes never needed nor believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah whose prophecy had been fulfilled, together with King Herod they wanted Him but wanted Him dead. However, the Wise men from the East and all those who needed to see Jesus, God either gave them a special knowledge, sign or revelation to meet Jesus the King of the Jews and the Saviour of the universe.

In the twenty-first century, many people who go to Church want Jesus for their existential needs but few need Jesus for their salvation or eternal life. Again, those who are merely searching for Him for their physical needs may not have the knowledge to meet and experience Him wholly. Nonetheless. those who in faith are searching for Him to make Him the King of their lives, worship or honour Him with their precious gifts like the wise men will be given knowledge through the Word of God to experience His reign over their lives.

Dear friend, Like the wise men from the east who had knowledge through the star to find Jesus, we also need the empowerment and indwelling of the Holy Spirit and knowledge of the Word of God to find and walk with Jesus. Just as the star led them, we also have the Word of God to continually guide us spiritually and morally in the way of the Lord, it is for this reason the Psalmist wrote that “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalms 119:105). May the commemoration of Jesus’ birth deepen our knowledge of the Star of our salvation, Jesus Christ. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, let the knowledge of God’s Word draw us close to the Star of our salvation, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

Refrain:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

Amen.