Page 156 - Foundations

Matthew 2:1-2, 10-12
Now after Yahshua was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from
the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw
His star in the east, and have come to worship Him...” And when they saw the star, they rejoiced
exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother;
and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of
gold and frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their own country by another way.

Here we have worshipers of the Son of God bowing prostrate before Him and presenting gifts of great
value and significance. Not only are we informed that these wise men from the East rightly discerned
the heavenly message announcing the birth of God’s Son, but they afterward received further
communication from God in a dream, informing them of the treachery of King Herod, and advising
them to take another route on their return journey. It is readily apparent that Yahweh spoke to these
learned men of the East through the stars even as He did through a dream. There is NOTHING in this
account that would condemn the practice of looking to the heavens for divine messages.

Star of Bethlehem, 1890, Sir Edward Burne-Jones

If this passage were an isolated account, and there were no more Scriptural references to Yahweh
speaking through celestial signs, it might be viewed as an anomaly, with no endorsement of the
practice implied. However, it is not an anomaly. There are many passages that speak of the role of the
stars and constellations being used as a divine message board by Yahweh. Not only was the first
coming of the Messiah announced by signs in the heavens, but Yahshua has informed His disciples
that His second coming to the earth will be preceded by a similar testimony in the heavens.

Luke 21:25-28
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars and upon the earth, dismay among nations in
perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the
things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they
will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin
to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”