A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. Numbers 24:17 

“It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of Daved, the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16

Our verses for today come from an early book in our Bible, Numbers, and the very last one, Revelation. One a prophecy, spoken by Balaam a non-Israelite prophet, (yes the one who had a donkey that spoke to him.) He was hired to curse Israel, but instead hears God and blesses Israel. Numbers 24:17 is from his fourth oracle, where he relates his vision of the future. The Good News translation of this verse: “I look into the future, And I see the nation of Israel. A king, like a bright star, will arise in that nation. Like a comet he will come from Israel.”

A star is a fitting image of a ruler, especially a bright star, and the scepter is a sign of a king’s power This prophecy is often said to be a prediction of David as a great king of Israel.. It is also interpreted as referring to the Messiah, who will come in the future and rule over Israel.

The verse in Revelation makes it clear that Jesus, the Messiah is the fulfillment of this prophecy. It is Jesus who has sent the angels with the messages to the churches addressed in Revelation. That He is the descendant of David, termed the bright morning star. When Jesus is born, the Magi follow a star, symbol of a king. Jesus is the Messiah and the fulfillment of the prophecy from so long before. God sends us messages just as he did to Balaam, and the writer of Revelation, we too need to listen to Him.

Lord, you have led us when we were lost. There are times when we choose to listen to other voices, times when we turn away from your angels. Please lead those of us who have strayed from you; help us find you and your love once again. God, May your guidance lead us to love you more. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party