A LIGHT WILL SHINE (NUMBERS 24:15-19)

REFLECTION Beloved in the Lord, we stand in the season of Advent—a time of solemn waiting, eager anticipation, and certain hope. We light the candles, pushing back the darkness, because we know a Light will shine. But where does this light come from? Long before the angels announced His birth in Bethlehem, the prophecy of…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Dec 6, 2025

3–5 minutes

REFLECTION

Beloved in the Lord, we stand in the season of Advent—a time of solemn waiting, eager anticipation, and certain hope. We light the candles, pushing back the darkness, because we know a Light will shine. But where does this light come from? Long before the angels announced His birth in Bethlehem, the prophecy of His coming was whispered in unexpected places.

Our text today, from the Book of Numbers, is not spoken by a Hebrew prophet, but by a pagan seer named Balaam. As he gazes upon the destiny of Israel, the Holy Spirit moves him to utter a profound and breathtaking prophecy about the future. He sees beyond his own time to a moment when the ultimate King will emerge. Let us listen to this ancient promise: a star is rising, a scepter is coming, and a Light will shine.

Balaam’s prophecy gives us three foundational truths about this Light that is to come:

1. The Light Will Rise from Israel (The Star)

Balaam declares: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17).

The image of a star is a powerful symbol of royalty, guidance, and unique destiny. In the ancient world, the birth of a king was often heralded by celestial events. This prophecy foretells the coming of the Messiah, the true King, the very one whose birth would, centuries later, cause the Magi to follow a literal star to Bethlehem. This Star is Jesus Christ. He is the Light, and His origin is rooted in the covenant people of God, confirming the faithfulness of the Father.

2. The Light Brings Dominion and Victory (The Scepter)

The text continues, mentioning a “scepter” which is the symbol of ruling authority. Balaam speaks of this King crushing the enemies of God: “It shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth” (Numbers 24:17).

This is not just a promise of spiritual comfort; it is a promise of sovereign victory. The Light that shines is not passive; it is an active, conquering power.

The crushing of Moab and the breaking down of the sons of Sheth symbolize the Messiah’s ultimate triumph over all opposition, particularly the power of sin and death.
In the New Testament, we see Jesus exercising this dominion over sickness, demons, nature, and ultimately, the grave.

The Light that shines is the hope that whatever darkness or power oppresses your life—whether it is doubt, addiction, or fear—the Scepter of Christ has dominion over it all.

3. The Light Establishes Lasting Possession (The Inheritance)

Finally, the prophecy describes the resulting peace and possession that His reign establishes: “Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed, and Israel shall do valiantly. And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of the city” (Numbers 24:18-19).

When the Light shines and the Scepter rules, God’s people are brought into their inheritance. This inheritance is not just a piece of physical land; for us, it is the spiritual reality of the Kingdom of God.

We are now citizens of that Kingdom.
We have been given the inheritance of eternal life and peace with God.

The preparation of Advent is not just about clearing the path for His arrival; it is about living in the certain hope that He has already secured our possession. The Light shines to illuminate the path to our eternal home.

In summary, this Advent, as we look to the manger, let us remember the ancient prophecy that foretold the star. A Light will shine—and that light is Jesus Christ, our King.

How do we prepare the way for this Light?

Acknowledge His Royalty: Let the Star guide your steps toward Him.
Submit to His Authority: Let the Scepter rule over every area of your life.
Claim Your Inheritance: Live in the assurance of the victory He has won.

Do not stay in the shadows of despair or sin. Look up, for the Star is rising, and the true Light is ready to shine in your heart today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we wait in this season of Advent, we thank You for the ancient promise that a Light will shine. We confess that we often stumble in darkness. Lord, let the Star of Jacob rise in our hearts today. Give us the courage to submit to the authority of Your Scepter, casting out all that opposes Your reign. Help us to walk in the light of Your truth, preparing the way for Your glory, until the day Christ returns in triumph. In the name of Jesus, the Light of the World, we pray. Amen.