TUESDAY - 26TH JULY, 2022
MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE - Olusola ADEJUMO
AT YOUR APPEARANCE - It's Been Awhile Series 001
Matthew 2:9-10, KJV
"9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
It is not good needing help with help not coming. It is possible that one has an expectation but the expectation gets delayed. However, what happens when a long awaited expectation suddenly happens? There's a quickening in both spirit, soul and body. Life suddenly makes sense and one wants to live it more. That's why it's my prayer today that you'll come alive. It's my prayer today that you'll hear joy. Joy do rouse up and you will experience it.
The wise men were set on their journey by the natal star of Jesus. However, the star only hinted the place of birth of Jesus, it didn't lead them on. On getting to Jerusalem, they had to enquire where Jesus, the King of the Jews would be born while saying, "we've seen His star in the East." It was not knowing the way to the exact place and not been guided to the place by this supernatural element that caused their stumbling into Herod's palace. There's no one who knows the way who goes around begging the way round a thing. Herod having being made insecure would like to know who that King of the Jews is who has come to contest with him. Herod obviously has no good plans for Jesus and so he sent the wise men to go find Jesus and bring him words that he also might worship him.
It was at this particular time the star appeared as they embark on Herod's errand. Without being called, conjured or summoned outrightly, the star appeared once again. God knows our needs. He feels our desperation. This was the star that appeared to them in the Eastern sky. They saw its signal and it was the initiator of their journey. The star since then had however withdrew itself nor did it disclose itself to them again. At this critical point when the matter of location and exactness of which house Jesus would be had not even been settled, the star appears to lead the way. Now, when the star appears, what happened? We were told that they were really happy. The wise men were. You see, that could mean they've been coveting the appearance of the star secretly which if they had seen revealed would have eliminated the problem of seeking for Jesus' birth place around. Having tasted of the function and leading power of the star afore time, seeing it now may begin to hint at its coming to help them and that's exactly what the star came for. That long appeared star, the long awaited star finally shows itself at a critical moment when Jesus must be located and time saved. So, they were happy to see their long time "indicator of which way to go."
There are expressions and feelings that follow when one's long time need is met. We can't describe all because it varies from men to men but one thing is sure, people are always happy. The happiness of the wise men there reveals their arousal of hope. It means, "now, we know the place." It means, "now, He who sets us on this journey has not forlorn us. Here is His guide to us again and we shall arrive." Indeed, they arrived. The star led them all the way to Bethlehem of Judea and not only stopped in Bethlehem or its entrance but went to rightly locate and stand on the very house that baby Jesus was. Even the compass that the chief priests (afore given by prophets) gave only said, "in Bethlehem of Judea" according to prophecy. It never knew the way enough as to predict the very house. As you'll agree with me, if the star had not appeared at that moment of criticality (when they had already tumbled around asking for Jesus' place of birth and so had wasted some time in effective journeying), they would have gotten to Judea to begin another search for the house He might be. The exact place was not at all certain. That's why Herod himself said, "search diligently and find" (Matt.2:8).
Look at me, God sees your longing. He knows you've already being troubled on all sides. He knows you've been a victim somehow. He's redeeming you right away. Provision is being sent. Hope is arriving. Your journey shall henceforth be smooth and direct. Guess work are ending. Trouble and walking in cycle has ended. If at the appearance of the star, the wise men became "happy - smiled, burst into laughter, appreciated God" for the timely help and the great save, then let me say "you're next to have such experience." The encouragement is this, "the day will break for you. Just don't break before it breaks." The wise men persisted in their journey even when the star (that leads smoothly without doubt) was nowhere to be found. However when that ingredient appeared, they celebrated it for what it is and what it can do. I therefore declare, receive joy in your house. Let every broken bones rejoice. Let every bowed head arise. Let depressed heart be lifted. Look up, behold your star (your hope giver, your answered prayer). I announce its arriver to you. Today, you receive your expectation and that'll lead you into happiness you've not known before. No more delayed arrival. It is now. Have it!
PRAYER: Lord, I receive the appearance of my "star." Its appearance announces hope, happiness, right guidance, speed and joy. I receive answered prayers that makes a man grateful and willing to do more in life.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:25-10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3
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