April 29th, 2018

Given Gifts

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.  When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.  “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,  are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”   After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”  Mt. 2:1-11

The magi give gifts:  gold; frankincense; and myrrh.  Today we look at gold, which is symbolic of royalty, kingship, and glory.  In Genesis 2:11 we find gold in Havilah (circle).  In Revelation we find the street is made with it.  Gold was used in the Tabernacle of Moses, and in the Temple of Solomon.  The Mercy Seat was made of pure gold, and the cherubim made of beaten gold. 

As visitors always brought gifts to kings and rulers, these wise men met the custom of the day.  They recognized royalty in the “house of the Lord.”  Jesus, not very old, out of the manger and into a house, was seen as the King of the Jews.  They brought and presented their best first: gold; indicating they understood they were in the presence of a King.

What do we bring to the house of the Lord?  Do we bring our best?  Are we bringing firstfruits or leftovers?  Do we offer spiritual sacrifices that are worthy of our King?  Note the magi did not come to the King and ask for anything – they entered the house of the Lord and worshiped and gave gifts -- the gift of royalty; for a king. 

When we come to house of the Lord, of the King of Kings, and worship and give the gifts worthy of our Lord and Savior, our King, He responds.  When we offer our heart in worship and adoration, He responds.  As we recognize the Royalty in the House of the Lord, something divine occurs.  He meets us there, takes hold of us, and says, “I am in the presence of royalty.  My son, My daughter, you are royalty.”

May our best be brought to Jesus, and His best meet ours.