They Saw the Star

Why did the wise men follow a star?

“Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)

Certainly their vision was beyond so many of their contemporaries (i.e. Herod, the Pharisees, etc.), but must it be beyond ours as well?  Should their pursuit of the star come as a surprise?  Possibly not–and I want your thoughts on this:

‘I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not close at hand.
A star will march forth out of Jacob,
and a scepter will rise out of Israel.
He will crush the skulls of Moab,
and the heads of all the sons of Sheth.
Edom will be a possession,
Seir, his enemies, will also be a possession;
but Israel will act valiantly.
A ruler will be established from Jacob;
he will destroy the remains of the city.’” (Numbers 24:17-19)

Are the wise men merely good readers of Numbers when they make their long journey or is Balaam’s prophecy meant to be taken more symbolically than perhaps they’ve taken it?

Either way, Jesus seems to have no qualms about his identity:

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star!” (Revelation 22:16)

Oh that is good!