"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
(Matthew 2:10,11)
Have you ever wondered why the wise men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh? Why didn't they bring woolen blankets or a sling shot?
It is safe to say that God does NOTHING by happenstance. Everything has purpose - meaning. His plan of salvation was carefully orchestrated - He left no stone unturned. The details are mind-boggling.
Well, listen to this.
According to Matthew Henry, in Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary, each gift was specific to the nature of Christ. "They offered Him gold, as a King, paying Him tribute; frankincense, as God, for they honored God with the sweet aroma of incense in the tabernacle; and myrrh, as a Man that should die, for myrrh was used for embalming dead bodies."
Isn't that fascinating? These gifts further established Jesus as the Christ - the Messiah. I wonder what Mary & Joseph thought as the wise men brought these particular gifts?
Matthew Henry said something else that I found interesting. When the wise men came into Jerusalem they asked, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2) These men came with great anticipation to worship the newborn King. They probably came expecting to "find all of Jerusalem worshiping at the feet of this new King; but no man can give them any information." We know that the news of their inquiry eventually reached Herod who quickly sought to deceive them.
I had never thought of this before.
The wise men had traveled far to worship the newborn King, but the people right there in His midst were not aware of His Presence - they could not tell the wise men how to find Jesus.
How sad. How many of us cannot direct others to Jesus? How many of us are in His midst and don't even realize it?
I know, OUCH! But I believe the Lord wants us to consider this. Our world is in need of a Savior and we know Him. Let's make sure that we are not selfish with this knowledge nor are we complacent about His Presence.
In this New Year, let's work hard to bring Him our gifts that acknowledge Him as King, Almighty God and Risen Lord.
In this New Year let's come to worship Him with great anticipation and show others the way.
Father, Thank You for once again giving us new insight into Your Word! It truly is living and sharper than a two-edged sword, changing us, restoring us and making us more like You. We offer our gifts to You. We desire to lead others to You, to show them the way to their King. I pray that Your perfect love would cast away all fear that would prevent us from speaking up on Your behalf. You are the Lord, the risen Savior and we belong to You. Thank You, Father. Thank You for Your love and for Your mercy. Stir up Your Spirit within us to worship You more. Praise, honor and glory be unto You!
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