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KEY VERSE:
Matthew 2:9-13 (ESV)
9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
Introduction:
In these verses we read how God used a Star and dreams as ways of communication with people. We also read how to respond to His voice and how to give Thanks.
I. A STAR IS BORN.
Matthew 2:9-10
9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
A. The Old Testament foretold of a Star. The wise men saw the Star and they knew it was a sign. God used this Star to communicate to the listening world, that Christ was born.
Numbers 24:17
a star shall come out of Jacob,
B. There are many theories as to what the wise men actually saw. Was it a literal Star or something else?
1. Perhaps a supernova. One appeared in 5 B.C.
2. Maybe a comet. However comets were usually considered omens of evil and not of divine signs.
3. In 7 B.C. Jupiter and Saturn appeared very close to one another.
4. Perhaps the Glory of God.
5. Perhaps an angel sent by God. An angle did announce Jesus’ birth.
C. Whatever the Star really was, it was supernatural at the least.
II. TRUE WORSHIP.
Matthew 2:11
And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.
A. The wise men wasted no time in worshiping Jesus!
B. Their worship of Christ included material gifts.
C. When we enter the House of God we offer a gift of thanksgiving.
Psalm 50:23
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
D. The wise men gave gifts to Jesus that were fit for a King.
1. Frankincense is resin used ceremonially. The only incense permitted on the altar. It symbolized God’s Presence and the sweet pleasing aroma of our prayers rising up to Him.
Psalm 141:2
Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands
as the evening sacrifice!
2. GOLD. A symbol of nobility and royalty.
3. Myrrh was a strong sweet smelling perfume used to prepare a body for burial.
III. HEARING GOD’S VOICE.
Matthew 2:12-13
12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
A. We find many times in the bible that God often uses DREAMS to communicate with people.
GOD SPEAKS IN MANY WAYS:
1. God speaks through dreams.
2. God speaks through people.
3. God speaks through circumstances.
4. God speaks through a small still voice.
5. God speaks through an actual voice.
6. God speaks through signs such as the Star in our verse today.
7. Most of all, God speaks through His WORD!
B. The wise men were warned by God and they obeyed. God’s warnings should be taken seriously!
C. Likewise, Joseph was warned in a dream and he too obeyed after hearing God.
Conclusion:
The fact that you are hearing this message right now is a sign that is as bright as the Star the wise men seen, that God is involved in your life. Are YOU involved with GOD?