More to the Story
Christmas in the Old Testament


JESUS' BIRTH IN THE BOOK OF NUMBERS

"I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near.
A star will come out of Jacob;
a scepter will rise out of Israel." Numbers 24:17(NIV)

Balaam, a prophet of the nation of Moab, enemies of Israel and very fearful of them, was commissioned by his king to prophesy evil over Israel. Balaam just couldn’t do it though. The Spirit of the God of Israel compelled him to prophesy good about Israel. Among the many things said in his five pro Israel oracles was the above verse. He spoke of a star and a scepter coming out of Jacob (Jacob = Israel and scepter=dominant power affirming Genesis 49:10.) He also spoke of a star.  

Could it be that this 1400 year old prophecy made it into Mesopotamian folklore, and was retold often enough that it made its way down to a few Persian astrologers who were seeking truth in its purest form? Could it be that to these “students of truth” (the wise men of the Christmas story) was revealed some kind of a light that guided them west, and along with study of the Hebrew scriptures, led them on a very, very long journey to Herod and ultimately Bethlehem? 

It seems to me that God works every angle to reach every person with knowledge of Himself and of Jesus, the one hope of the world. How have you seen God “working the angles” to reach you?
 
PRAYER 

Lord, I do not deserve your tireless pursuit of me. Yet I believe you find me worth it even when I don’t. Your Grace and Love are incomprehensible. I believe. I love you Lord. Amen”