White Candle - Jesse Tree Devotion Day Twenty Six

‘”Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the eastand have come to worship him.”‘ Matthew 2:2 (NIV)

Today’s symbol is of a white candle, which symbolizes Jesus, the light of the world, his divinity and power. In today’s passage three magi look for Jesus, guided by the light of a star, shining brightly above his birthplace. The magi are astrologers, probably from Persia. They spend their time looking at stars, which is why they noticed the star to begin with. In this period astrologers were well respected. They were pagans, yet God chose to reveal the most precious gift of all to them. The magi went to Herod, expecting to find the baby there. Herod called in religious leaders (Matthew 2:4-6) and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They told Herod what was written in Micah 5:2. Interestingly though, none of the religious leaders went to Bethlehem with the magi. Why did they fail to act upon their bible knowledge? Matthew reminds us that it is pagans who first worship Jesus. When they did find Jesus in Bethlehem, they prostrate themselves before the manger and do not turn the child and his parents over to King Herod. Instead they leave, and go home via a different route.

Herod, as ruler, was not willing to give up his leadership for a new baby King. Likewise, many in society are reluctant to acknowledge Jesus’ right to guide and direct their lives. Jesus is for all who will receive him. God may provide us, as believers, with allies in unexpected places if we have the wisdom to recognize them. He uses many open vessels. Today, think about whether God has used a non-Christian before to speak to you in your life.

White Candle - Jesse Tree Devotion Day Twenty Six

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