A Royal Star

Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel…
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A Royal Star
Set high in the heavens, the stars have guided ancient peoples for millennia. They are fixed beacons in the sky, whose patterns and movements are recognizable and reliable. They have guided travelers across vast oceans of sand and to distant lands across expansive seas. But no star has been more important nor guided weary travelers to a more secure and safe harbor than the star foretold in Numbers.
This star was a beacon to God’s chosen people as King David would rise out of Israel with a scepter in hand not simply to lead God’s people, but to more importantly foreshadow the greater King to come. Centuries after David would be laid to rest, a greater King would be born. From the line of David, this King of kings would come not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. And He came not just to the Jews but to the gentiles as well. A heavenly star, a royal star, lighted the way for gentile travelers from the east to come and pay homage to this newborn King, born in the city of David.
Now our Royal Star guides us in the way of righteousness, through His life, death, and resurrection. Through Jesus we have assurance of heaven, an assurance more fixed and stable than any star God has placed in the sky.