Star Guide

Communion/Epiphany                                                                        01/06/19—Highland—Meute

“Star Guide”

Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14; Matthew 2: 1-12

Pearl: Perseverance in following the Lord’s leading.

Function: For worshippers to resolve to follow through like the ancient Magi on the prompting of the Lord through their “star word” in this new year of life.

As I shared on Christmas Eve it is likely that God provided a supernova 3,000 years before the birth of Christ so that it would be seen by everyone and draw the “Three Wise Men” to the cradle of the King of Kings.

1. We don’t actually know that there were three “Wise Men.” This is assumed from the three gifts that were given—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
   60. These were appropriate gifts. Gold for a king. Frankincense used in the worship of a god. Myrrh was embalming oil. The gifts revealed aspects of who Jesus was and who he would be. They also fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 60.
       1. “A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord” (Isaiah 60:6).
   61. This visit of the Magi was significant enough that it upset Herod and all of the people of Jerusalem. I imagine it was a caravan of visitors who accompanied the Magi.
   62. Who these “Magi” were is not precisely known. They may have been scholars, priests, kings, diviners, or astrologers.
       1. For sure they were Gentiles. It is believed that they were of Persian, Indian, and Arabian descent.
       2. It is easy to understand how they caught the attention of all of Jerusalem.
   63. These exotic foreigners were sufficiently impressed by and drawn by what they saw in the “stars” that they commenced upon a pilgrimage to see this “new-born King of the Jews.”
   64. Their journey may have taken up to two years time. Our image of the “wise men” at the manger is unlikely to be true. Why else would Herod have given the vicious directive that all children two years old and under be slain (Matt. 2:16)? Since the scriptures read that they entered “a house” to worship the child, it is likely that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus had a more substantial home by the time of the Magi visit.

 

They followed this “star,” this “sign” from the Lord. They were compelled by the Lord. In a similar way, we should follow the Lord’s “stars” (promptings and leadings from the Lord).

 

As the Magi followed through on their sign from God it changed the course of their lives for a significant time so that they could follow after it and understand it and worship the child-king.

 

The Lord prompts us in many different ways. Sometimes through the suggestion of a friend. Sometimes through the circumstances of life. Certainly through scripture. When prompted we should respond like the Magi and faithfully respond.

 

1. What is the Lord showing you? How is the Lord guiding you?
   1. I became aware this past week of a practice of many churches on Epiphany every year. “Star words” are passed out to all congregants so that each may be influenced by that word through the next year.
   2. It becomes a “spiritual practice” to focus on this word and be attentive and open to how God is influencing you through that one, simple word.
      1. The ushers are going to pass the offering plates through the congregation and I ask you to take a star from the plate. Before we pass them out I am going to pray over them that they may be special means of grace for you in your life. (Pray now).
         1. Go ahead and begin the distribution as I continue to speak.
      2. This will be an unusual occasion of you taking out of the plate. It is truly good to receive as well as to give.

• And the fact is that the Lord gives to us all of the time. Taking your star word from the offering plate demonstrates how the Lord gives us what we need for life.

1. This word will be a means of God guiding you in this next year. You may not like or understand the word you receive. Parents you should help your children understand their word and help them in this spiritual practice. Open yourself to your word and seek to allow it to guide you. Trust that God knows what is best for you. In a mystical way open yourself to this guiding word.

1. I would also like to have “star word” testimonies throughout this upcoming year. I would ask you to testify to the congregation something that happens to you in relation to your word as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
   1. When you have a testimony I would like you to share it in worship. If you cannot imagine speaking before the congregation then perhaps you would write it up for our church newsletter. Just let me know when you have a testimony so that we can arrange for your sharing.
   2. This will be a way of encouraging each other and inspiring each other as disciples of Jesus. Testimonies do this. Please don’t be shy.
2. This is a very meaningful experience for many other congregations. They look forward each year to their new word. I am sure it will be the same for Highland.

2. If you are at all skeptical about this spiritual practice of being guided by one simple word, I would remind you that we are a people of the word. I am speaking of the Word who is Jesus Christ. He is the incarnate Word of God.
   1. It is written in the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
   2. Let this one simple word guide you this year as a unique aspect of the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ. Let this word become flesh to you. That is, let it make a difference in your own life.
   3. Christ’s character is many-faceted. There are not enough words to describe our Lord Jesus Christ. But each and every word has a power, and a strange ability to lead us and guide us into the Way of Jesus Christ.

 

The Gentile Wise Men from the East allowed this heavenly sign from God to draw them into a new experience. As Christ followers this is your mission as well. Allow this star word to guide you into new experiences as followers of Jesus through this next year.