Matthew 2 (KJV)
2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him……
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
It’s Christmas and almost time to say bye to 2017 and welcome to 2018.
As we read the scriptures about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus, this visit from the Astrologers or Wise men stands out.
These men did some outstanding things to purposefully worship God.
The first thing they did was to make up their mind to pay the price to be able to go and to worship:
The left their home and traveled miles and miles to a place they didn’t know
They were separated from their family and friends during this travel time
They were not traveling in a bus, car or by plane. They travelled most likely by camel, donkey, maybe a horse or caravan
They were willing to spend their money and resources and to bear the expenses of this travel
They were willing to be uncomfortable, dusty, and possibly smelly
They were willing to pay the price to go and worship “…He that is born King of the Jews.”
They were joyful and excited to do so.
The second thing they did was that they came to Bethlehem with joy, when they saw the star the scripture said: ‘they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.’ This was a dance around the camel/caravan, hands up in the air, laughter bubbling in the mouth moment.
Whenever we enter into Gods presence we should come with exceeding great joy.
How great it is to be able to know and also worship the maker of the universe.
What a privilege to worship the only true God. Many people worship stones, trees, cattle, and all manner of carved images, but we can and do worship The God who loved us so much He was willing to do whatever was necessary to buy us back from our rebellion against Him.
The third thing they did when they saw the young child, the astrologers / the wise men, bowed down before him and worshipped him. ‘And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:…’
These were the top astrologers of their time! These were the men who had understanding of the times and seasons. They bowed down and worshipped the young child.
They knew who He really was and they acknowledged Him as God.
There were people living in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and throughout Judea who had no idea who Jesus was, to them He was just another baby. But God reveled to these men who lived thousands of miles away the star accompanying the birth of Jesus.
For there to be true worship there has to be revelation about the one, the only one who deserves our worship.
The fourth thing they did was that they brought gifts to God. Worshipping God includes lavishing your best gifts on Him. The wise men could see Jesus physically and they gave gifts to Him: ‘and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.’
Their treasures were involved in the act of worship.
Now Jesus is not physically on the earth however His body is on the earth. Know this that, when you give gifts to members of the body of Christ, when you get involved in the work of God here on the earth, you are expressing and demonstrating your worship of God.
So worship the Lord purposefully bow before him joyfully and give to friends and family.
It has been a pleasure serving you all by writing these blog posts.
Thank you all for taking the time to send your very encouraging and helpful comments.
You’re all so appreciated.
As a gift to you in this season please click link below for a free download of a medley of traditional Nigerian Christmas song with a worship atmosphere. Enjoy.
My prayer is that you have a very exciting Christmas time and a productive and fruitful 2018.
See you all in 2018 by the exceeding and abundant grace of God