His Star
Should We Study the Stars?
The wise men discerned from the symbolism of the stars that something extraordinary was to occur.
In Matthew 2:2, they asked, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising”—which is a better translation than “in the East.”
What was “His star”?
There have been various explanations suggested over the centuries, but they all agree that to those believing in the symbolism of planets and stars, there was to be a new king in Israel who would be the king over all the world.
For a further exploration of this subject, go to a planetarium during December.
In the dome the stars will be positioned to reflect the heavens at the time thought to be the birth date of Jesus.
The lecture will explain why the wise men derived the conclusions they did.
Or read one of the books or view one of the DVDs that do the same.
Some helpful resources are the book The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi by astronomer Dr. Michael Molmar and the DVD The Star of Bethlehem by attorney Frederick Larson.
But some Christians might wonder:
Is it a good idea to study the stars?
Isn’t this indulging in astrology, which is occultic and forbidden?
I believe the answer is that there is a right way and a wrong way to study the stars.
The right way!
While the Christian faith is often straightforward in its setting forth of scriptural doctrine and commandments, there is sometimes mysticism and symbolism that add to, but never go against, the plain teaching of Scripture.
God proclaims His glory in the heavens about who He is and what He is about—”big picture” stuff, not detailed information or guidance for the individual.
We read in Psalm 19:1-2 that the heavens declare the glory of God and that the night (sky) “declares knowledge.”
Job 9:9 speaks of God not only making stars in general, but also making what we call the constellations and star clusters of “the Bear” (Ursa Major) and Orion, the Pleiades and the chambers of the south.”
And Jesus speaks in Luke 21:25 of signs in the sun, moon and stars.
From this we know God uses the stars—indeed, all of creation—to show His power and creative ability and to catch the attention of all humanity.
The wrong way!
Interpreting the stars goes wrong when we worship them, believe they control our lives, or make them the source of personal guidance as to our conduct.
When people do this, whether by reading the horoscopes in newspapers or magazines, or by indulging in elaborate sessions with a professional astrologer, they take the focus for daily life off of God.
This is dangerous—at best because it substitutes something far inferior for what we can have in God, and at worst because the power source behind astrology is Satan.
The wise men of Matthew 2 consulted the stars in ways consistent with what Scripture teaches.
God showed them something of major importance for the world, and this led them on their journey to Bethlehem, because they sought God and went to worship Him.
(PR)