One of my favourite memory verses from the scripture has been Matt 2:10, “When they saw the star they were overjoyed.”

The wise men from the east were in a strange new land and were in search of Jesus. But right from the beginning of their journey, there was a Star that had appeared to them. It was a Star which had led them to Jesus!

And over the years I have learnt to cherish this beautiful principle of following the Star- If the wise men were guided by a Star, surely the saints of today have a Star that leads them too.

Just like the magi, we have a destiny, which is nothing other than Jesus! But who is it who leads us to Jesus today?

Jesus said, in John 14:15-17, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit is our Star! He is the one who leads us to our destiny in Jesus. He is the one who transforms our lives and characters into making them look like Jesus’. He is the one who transforms our otherwise dry and dull ministries, into resembling the dynamic and God centered ministry like Jesus’. And He is the one we are called to follow.

God desires that we will live our lives in continual submission to His Spirit’s leading and guidance, here are three vital steps you need to take in your relationship with your Star in your  journey to reach your destiny in Jesus:

1. Locating the Star!

The wise men came from a distant land seeking this Star that had appeared. This often seems to be the toughest thing to do.
However Jesus was very plain and clear in his instructions. Luke 11:13 “If you…. know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!“ It’s as simple as that, ASK!

Unlike the first century church, today we don’t have to tarry to receive the Holy Spirit, because He has already been poured out on day of Pentecost as the scripture shows in Acts 2,

Our duty today, is only to receive His presence into our lives. John 7:37-39, “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” Now this He said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

We receive Him as soon as we express our hunger and thirst for His presence! All we need to do now is ask in the name of Jesus and welcome the Holy Spirit into every aspect of our lives.

2. Celebrating the Star!

It says the wise men were overjoyed when they saw the Star.

There are many who are filled by the Holy Spirit, but unfortunately, there are very few who actually celebrate His abiding presence in their lives. Jesus said; all other sins will be forgiven, but the sin that causes blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, shall not be forgiven. (Matt 12:31) This happens when we don’t value the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The word of God warns us against grieving the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30) and quenching the Holy Spirit! (1 Thess 5:19). I have often heard Rev. Shyju teach on the Holy Spirit, when he mentions how careful we would be if we had a dove on our shoulders like it descended on Jesus when he was baptized. Would we want to do anything to scare off the dove or hurt it? On the contrary, we would be ever so careful, walking with an awareness of the fact that we carry that dove on us.

Can we give an equal or more importance to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

3. Following the Star!

Last, but not the least, the wise men took a conscious decision to follow the Star.

Though they had received instructions from the palace on where to find Jesus, they still followed the Star. Apostle Paul said, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Rom 8:14)

One name which is often abused, and very often, not used in the church is the name of the Holy Spirit! It is not merely enough that we receive the Holy Spirit and celebrate His presence. It is much more essential to follow His leading. Follow His heart. Go all out after Him till you become like Jesus, with absolutely no thoughts of turning back. That is our destiny.

My greatest prayer for you today is that you wouldn’t take the person of the Holy Spirit for granted, but that you will ask for Him, celebrate His presence, and follow Him continually!

Do you have a question, a thought, a word that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you and converse with you, as you follow your Star!