Gifts for the King - The Relevance of the gifts of the Magi

Gifts for the King - The Relevance of the gifts of the Magi

As we approach the Christmas season, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift-giving, decorations, and festivities. But what if we took a moment to reflect on the profound spiritual significance of this time? Let's embark on a journey with the Magi, those wise men from the East, and discover the true essence of worship.

The story of the Magi, found in Matthew 2:1-11, offers us a powerful lesson about the nature of genuine worship. These learned men, experts in astrology, religion, and medicine, undertook an arduous journey of at least 800-900 miles, likely taking three to six months, to seek out the newborn King of the Jews. Their purpose? To worship Him.

This dedication challenges us to examine our own commitment to worship. How far are we willing to go, what sacrifices are we prepared to make, to honor our King? In our convenience-driven culture, it's easy to lose sight of the profound importance of sacrifice in our relationship with God.

The Magi's journey reminds us that true worship isn't about convenience or comfort. It's about extending ourselves, going beyond our comfort zones, to seek and honor God. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 16:16-17, we find a long-standing tradition: "Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose... No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed. Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you."

This brings us to a crucial insight: true worship reaches its fullest expression when accompanied by a meaningful gift to God. The Magi exemplified this perfectly. Upon finding the child Jesus, they first bowed down and worshipped Him. Then, they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

These gifts were not mere trinkets but held profound symbolic significance:

1. Gold - representing Jesus' kingship
2. Frankincense - symbolizing His role as High Priest
3. Myrrh - foreshadowing His sacrificial death

Through these gifts, the Magi acknowledged Jesus in His threefold office as King, Priest, and Savior. Their act of worship was complete - involving not just words or gestures, but also sacrificial giving.

This challenges us to reconsider our approach to worship, particularly in how we give to God. Often, we may view offering time in church services as a mundane part of the routine, perhaps even a distraction. But what if we saw it as an integral part of our worship, a tangible expression of our devotion to our King?

Proverbs 18:16 tells us, "A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great." While this verse has often been misinterpreted, its true meaning aligns perfectly with the principle we see in the Magi's actions. Our gifts to God are not about earning His favor or buying access, but about expressing the value we place on our relationship with Him.

Consider the woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. When criticized for this 'waste,' Jesus defended her, saying she had done a beautiful thing. Her extravagant gift was an expression of her love and worship, and Jesus honored it as such.

As we reflect on these examples, let's ask ourselves: How do we express the value we place on Jesus in our lives? Is our worship merely lip service, or does it involve sacrifice and meaningful giving?

This principle extends beyond financial giving. It's about offering our best to God in every aspect of our lives. Whether it's our time, talents, or resources, God invites us to bring our gifts willingly and joyfully as part of our worship.

Remember, God doesn't need our gifts, but He desires our hearts. When we give sacrificially, it's a reflection of our love and devotion to Him. As Jesus observed the treasury, noting the widow who gave her last coins, He reminds us that it's not about the amount, but the heart behind the giving.

As we approach this Christmas season, let's challenge ourselves to worship like the Magi. Let's be willing to undertake difficult journeys, to sacrifice our comfort, and to bring our best gifts to honor our King. Let's make our worship complete by accompanying it with meaningful offerings that reflect the value we place on our relationship with God.

In doing so, we create a memorial before God - a lasting testament to our faith and devotion. Each act of worship, each gift given in love, becomes a stone in that memorial, building a legacy of faith that honors our King.

This Christmas, as we celebrate the greatest gift ever given - God's own Son - let's respond with worship that goes beyond words. Let's bring our gold, frankincense, and myrrh - whatever that means in our lives. Whether it's dedicating more time to prayer and Bible study, using our talents to serve others, or giving generously to support God's work, let's make our worship complete.

Remember, it's not about the size of the gift, but the heart behind it. God sees and honors every sacrifice made in love. As we give our best to Him, we can trust that He will bless us abundantly, not necessarily with material wealth, but with His presence, peace, and purpose in our lives.

So this Christmas, let's follow the star. Let's undertake the journey, however long or difficult it may be. Let's bow before our King, offering not just our words of praise, but the very best of ourselves. In doing so, we'll discover the true joy and fulfillment that comes from wholehearted worship.

May this season be one of renewed devotion, sacrificial giving, and complete worship for each of us. As we honor our King, may we experience the fullness of His love and grace in our lives.