🎄 December Theme: The Journey to the Manger
📖 Scripture
Numbers 24:17 (NIV)
“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.”
📚 Background
This verse comes from Balaam’s prophecy, spoken over Israel. Though Balaam was a reluctant prophet, God used him to declare a vision of the coming Messiah. The “star” and “scepter” symbolize authority, kingship, and hope. Centuries later, the Magi would follow a star to Bethlehem, connecting this ancient prophecy to the birth of Christ. It is one of the earliest glimpses of the Savior’s coming—a promise shining in the darkness.
💬 Devotional
Last Christmas, my friend shared how she and her little boy would go outside each evening to look at the stars. She told me, “We’d pick one star and say, ‘That’s our reminder that Jesus is near.’” Her simple practice reminded me of Balaam’s prophecy—God gave a star as a sign of hope, pointing forward to the Messiah.
Numbers 24:17 reminds us that God’s promises often begin as distant visions. Balaam said, “I see him, but not now.” Yet even in the waiting, the promise was sure. The star rising out of Jacob was fulfilled in Jesus, born in Bethlehem, the true King.
On our journey to the manger, this verse teaches us that hope often begins as a faint light on the horizon. But that light grows brighter as we draw near to Christ. The star is not just a symbol—it is a reminder that God’s promises always rise, even in the darkest night.
🪞 Reflection Questions
- Where in your life do you feel like God’s promise is “not now, not near”?
- How does the image of a rising star encourage you in seasons of waiting?
- What practices help you keep your eyes fixed on Christ during Advent?
🛠️ Application: Living It Out
- Look for the light. Each evening this week, pause to notice the stars and thank God for His promises.
- Practice hope. Write down one promise of God that feels distant and pray for trust as you wait.
- Encourage someone. Share this verse with a friend or family member who needs a reminder that God’s promises always rise.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Numbers 24:17 is a prophecy pointing to Christ, the star and scepter of Israel.
- God’s promises may feel distant, but they are certain.
- The star reminds us that hope rises even in darkness.
- The manger is the fulfillment of God’s ancient promise of redemption.
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