“We Have Seen His Star”
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the star was of special import to them. They consulted priests and
philosophers, and searched the scrolls of the ancient records. The
prophecy of Balaam had declared, “There shall come a Star out of
Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.”
Numbers 24:17
. Could
this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised One?
The magi had welcomed the light of heaven-sent truth; now it was
shed upon them in brighter rays. Through dreams they were instructed
to go in search of the newborn Prince.
As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, “not knowing
whither he went” (
Hebrews 11:8
); as by faith Israel followed the pillar
of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the
promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things,
and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer
presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank,
and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to
Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. It was
necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but
the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and
prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause
for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that
they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an
outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit,
which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope. The
journey, though long, was a happy one to them.
They have reached the land of Israel, and are descending the Mount
of Olives, with Jerusalem in sight, when, lo, the star that has guided
them all the weary way rests above the temple, and after a season
fades from their view. With eager steps they press onward, confidently
expecting the Messiah’s birth to be the joyful burden of every tongue.
But their inquiries are in vain. Entering the holy city, they repair to the
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temple. To their amazement they find none who seem to have a knowl-
edge of the newborn king. Their questions call forth no expressions of
joy, but rather of surprise and fear, not unmingled with contempt.
The priests are rehearsing traditions. They extol their religion
and their own piety, while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as
heathen, and sinners above others. The wise men are not idolaters,
and in the sight of God they stand far higher than do these, His pro-
fessed worshipers; yet they are looked upon by the Jews as heathen.