Daily Devotional | A Guiding Star

For centuries sailors relied on the North Star (Polaris) to guide their ships through open waters. The star provided a fixed point they could depend upon even in the blackest of nights or stormiest of seas. God’s presence in our lives is like that North Star. He is there to guide us through whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, on sunny days or when the storms of life swirl around us.

Matthew 2 tells of Magi who also were guided by a star to Jerusalem. They inquired as to the location of Jesus: “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (v. 2).

King Herod was highly interested in this star (v. 7). Even though he did not join the Magi’s entourage, his chief priests and teachers were guided by the book of Micah (5:1–2) to direct the Magi to Bethlehem since that was the place promised, from where the ruler of the people of Israel would come.

After the visit with Herod, the Magi continued to Bethlehem where they again saw the star (v. 9). This star guided them along the journey, leading them ultimately to the place where the Christ child was located (v. 9). Once they arrived, they bowed down and worshiped Him and presented Him with magnificent gifts.

We too are on a journey. We do not always know the path that the Lord will take us. But, just as God’s presence was with the Magi, His presence is with us. We can hear His voice as we pray and read His Word. Psalm 23 says that even when we walk through the dark valleys, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (v. 4).

Go Deeper

Why were the Magi and Herod so interested in following this star? How does God guide us today? How do we know how to follow Him?

Pray with Us: Lord, You are called the “Morning Star” in the Bible. We need Your guidance. Just as You guided the Magi, You guide us today. We are thankful that Your presence is with us in a powerful way through Your Spirit.

BY James Coakley

Dr. Jim Coakley is professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute. He earned his BA in Pastoral Studies from Calvary Bible College, his M.Div. and Th.M. in Old Testament from Grace Theological Seminary, and his doctorate from Covenant Theological Seminary. Jim is the author of 14 Fresh Ways to Enjoy the Bible (Moody Publishers). He and his wife, Gayle, live in the western suburbs of Chicago and have two adult children and three grandchildren.