Monday 16 June, 2014

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea. After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. 2 They asked, “Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard about it, he was very upset. Everyone in Jerusalem was troubled too. 4 So Herod called together all the chief priests of the people. He also called the teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ was going to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied. “This is what the prophet has written. He said, 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not the least important among the towns of Judah. A ruler will come out of you. He will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” (Micah 5:2)

As I read this story it struck me for the first time just how extraordinary it is that this band of scholars, wise men from the East, knew that the Messiah had been born just by observing the star that signaled His birth.

How did they know this?  I don’t really know the answer to that question, but they were obviously watching and waiting for this sign and managed to see what so many others failed to see.

How often do I miss the signals from the Holy Spirit because I am not attentive or I ignore His promptings?

Maybe there’s something that you know the Holy Spirit has been trying to point out to you but you have been ignoring Him or putting it off.

I am making a commitment today to attend to a particular area in my life that I know that God has been prompting me to change. Can I encourage you to do the same?

Like those wise men, I know we will find great rewards in following the leading of God’s Spirit.

Written by Shelley Witt