The Wise-Men Follow the Star
God comes to men in the spheres with which they are most familiar, using methods that are relevant to their lives, and the news of Jesus always disquiets the children of the world, as it means division.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the widespread expectation of a great king's advent during the Nativity, rooted in prophecies and the cultural climate of the time. He illustrates how God reaches out to individuals in familiar contexts, guiding them towards truth, as seen with the Wise-Men following the star. Meyer encourages believers to pursue their own guiding stars, ensuring they align with Scripture, while acknowledging that the message of Jesus often causes unrest among those who resist it. The sermon highlights the importance of divine guidance and the necessity of scriptural confirmation in our spiritual journeys.
Text
Matthew 2:1-8
The expectation of the advent of a great king was far-spread at the time of the Nativity. It was probably founded, so far as the East was concerned, on the prophecies of Balaam and Daniel. See Numbers 24:17; Daniel 7:13-14. There are evidences of the same expectation in the classic literature of the West. Our Lord was the desire of all nations; and the corruption and anarchy of the Roman Empire made the longing still more intense.
God comes to men in the spheres with which they are most familiar; to Zacharias in the Temple, to the shepherds in the fields, to the Wise-Men by a portent in the heavens.
He knows just where to find us. “Lift the stone, and I am there.†Be sure to follow your star, whatever it be; only remember that it must ultimately receive the corroboration of Scripture, as in the present case, Matthew 2:5. A miracle may be wrought to awaken and start us on our great quest, but the miraculous is withdrawn where the ordinary methods of inquiry will serve. The news of Jesus always disquiets the children of the world; they know that it means division.
Sermon Outline
- The Expectation of the Advent
- God Comes to Men in Familiar Spheres
- Following Your Star
- The News of Jesus
- Division Among the Children of the World
- Miraculous Withdrawal
- Wise-Men by a Portent in the Heavens
Key Quotes
“God comes to men in the spheres with which they are most familiar; to Zacharias in the Temple, to the shepherds in the fields, to the Wise-Men by a portent in the heavens.” — F.B. Meyer
“Lift the stone, and I am there.” — F.B. Meyer
“Be sure to follow your star, whatever it be; only remember that it must ultimately receive the corroboration of Scripture,” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Be open to God's methods of communication, which may be different from what you expect.
- Follow your star, but make sure it aligns with Scripture.
- The news of Jesus may bring division, but it is worth it to follow Him.