Signs & Wonders of Christ's Arrival - - The Light Still Shines

 

Matthew 2:2

"Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east."

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 792

Star: a star, a group of stars, stars strewn across the sky

From the Greek word 'astér' (pronounced as-tare'). In connection with the Greek word 'strónnuó' (pronounced strone'-noo-mee), wherein we get our English word 'astronomy'. 

HIS STAR, HIS PURPOSE

This start had one purpose: to light the way for those seeking the newborn baby King to worship Him. First, the shepherds who were nearby. Then, the wise men from the east, who traveled two years to reach Him. When the star had fulfilled its reason for being, it was seen no more. 

No matter how long it takes us to reach Jesus, as long as our intent is pure, our goal will be reached. And when our purpose in Christ has been fulfilled, we too, will be taken up and seen no more on this earth. Woe, to those whose names are called that are not ready. For no one will ever be 'good enough' to see God's face and live. Only they who are pure in heart. And the only way we can be pure in heart is to have Jesus Christ living in our hearts. 

THE LIGHT STILL SHINES

That light shined in the night sky to lead the way. It stood out from all the other twinkling stars, so it must have been visible to the naked eye. For both the shepherds and the wise men could see it without aid. 

But we know that while that light shone briefly, there is another Light which shines permanently. During His earthly ministry Jesus told His disciples, in John 8:12, "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." 

And again in John 9:5 "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Knowing He would be taken out of the world, He also let them know that they would be the light, too, 12:36 "While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light." After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them." 

THE PURE LIGHT

Proverbs 4:18

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.

Philippians 2:14, 15

14. Do everything without complaining or arguing,

15. so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Everywhere and in all things we are instructed to be honorable men and women of God: in our everyday life, where people around us see our actions and hear our the words that come out of our mouths and in the privacy of our own thoughts, where only God knows what we are thinking and the true intents of our hearts. 

Let us be the Lighthouse that shines the Light and Love of God through Jesus Christ into the darkness of this world in which we live, that wandering souls may see Jesus and be saved from wreck and ruin.

JESUS IS THE LIGHT by Carman

LIGHT OF THE WORLD by Hillsong United

The Pure In Heart

Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

So, in studying this verse out it took me to Psalm 15:2, which describes even further what it means to be pure of heart; it is more than good thoughts and generosity.
To be pure of heart is to walk uprightly and work righteousness, to live a moral life and use the powers we are given to bless people whenever we can, not use our powers against others. Whether the power we wield is social, economical, or political we are to use it to be a blessing not a curse.
This verse took me Genesis 17:1 where God tells Abraham that in order to walk With God, Abraham must back up his faith in God with obedience to God. And the righteous? They who honor God by placing Him first in every aspect and decision of their lives, which means they follow His will.
The pure in heart speak truth in their heart and truth is spoken through them. They don't lie to themselves, nor anyone else for that matter. So, how do I read this with understanding?

Blessed is the one who is pure in heart: who uses his blessings to bless others, who wields justice and mercy with compassion and not regard. Blessed is the one who puts God first in every way, and consults Him first in decision-making. Blessed is the one who backs up his faith in God with actions that align with his faith.

Seeing God fact to face is our reward for living a pure and holy life. God sees us always, but Hebrews 12:14 says that someday we will see God just as clearly as He sees us. Now, that's something to look forward to!