What STAR are you following?

Celebrity “stars” have a lot of followers on the internet today. They can either influence a crowd in a path of destruction that can lead its followers down a path they might not want to go. Or, they can have a positive affect on those who are following them. As we approach the New Year, let us not forget what the power of the tongue did on January 6th 2021, as we witnessed the attack on the United States Capital. The people were following the wrong star! “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of wicked conceals violence (Prov. 10:11).”

The gospel of John also instructs us to live like Jesus and seek to imitate Him. For it is better to go to the Lord for safety than to trust in mere men (Ps. 118:8).” There are places in our lives where living out our faith takes boldness and trust in God. Too often, there are people in high places who are fearful of professing their faith in Jesus and standing up for what they know is the right thing to do. They are following the star of fear. “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7)”

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter two, we learn that Herod privately called for the wise men with the intentions of learning from them the exact timing that the star had appeared. Herod sent them to Bethlehem to search diligently for the child (Jesus) and when he is found, they were to bring him to Herod. They didn’t know where the star would lead them, they just followed it until it brought them to Bethlehem and to Jesus. Scripture says, when they saw that the star had stopped, they were filled with joy. Having been warned in a dream, instead of returning to the “star” Herod, scripture tells us they went back to their own country another way.

There are many Herod’s in our world today and we will all be challenged to choose between following the “star of obedience to God” or the star of disobedience to a “star like figures of King Herod” that seeks to cause division and injustices in this world?

This story about The Magi and wise men of the East takes us on their journey in following the only true “STAR” that will lead them to the only Divine One. Matthew, chapter 2, is about people being called to follow the true star in order to find their purpose in this life. Do you have the courage to follow what is right and necessary especially during these times of moral crisis?

I thank God for those who didn’t follow the “star” of racism, slavery and white supremacy. During the Civil Rights Movement, I thank God for those who followed the “STAR” of civil disobedience to unjust laws and systemic racism in a world that needs of a Savior. John 10:10 reminds us that “Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly”.

Jesus is the “STAR” of this life that will direct you to the truth and will show you the path that will lead you to a life with God! This is my invitation to you today, an invitation to find joy and peace in your lives and to look forward in the future with hope for a brighter tomorrow. Jesus already has a path set up for you, it was set before you were born. Do you choose to follow the “star” that will lead you away from God or lead you towards the light of this world?

What STAR are you being called to follow in 2022?