Guided by a Word

Mystical Magi showing up on the streets of Jerusalem speaking of a star leading them to the arrival of a new king has created chaos on the streets and struck fear in the royal palace. The star-gazers from the East ask, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage (Matthew 2:2).

And when the king hears from the travelers, “he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2: 3).

As it should, the thought of another “king” has King Herod fearful. His scribes and religious scholar remind him that the prophet foretold, “You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2).

In the telling of the birth of Jesus, Matthew doesn’t give us shepherds and angels. Instead, he provides us with Gentile astronomers and a child-killer Herod.

They follow the light. The light guides them through the darkness. It is like the prophet Isaiah has said, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you……Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn” (Isaiah 60:1-2).

Not knowing what the journey will mean, they consent to it. They follow the star, wondering where the star will lead.

In what dark situation at this moment do you need to focus on the light of God’s presence? Where do you need the light of God to shine in your darkness?

I am suggesting we listen for one word. Then, we pay attention to what is God’s word for us this year.

We will let the word we get from the Lord drive us to what God wants us to become this year. This one word will be the guiding star that directs our life in 2023.

My word for 2023 is intentional. Being intentional is about bringing commitment, focus, and attention to the people and circumstances in my life that bring value and meaning.

What is your word?

Share it below or email it to me at jamey.prickett@ngumc.net and I will write it in my prayer journal along with your name and use it as my prayer focus for you in 2023.

Make sure you share this post with others so they can find encouragement around their word for 2023.