Monday, December 12, 2011

Right Worship


Not much is known about them. But each year they grace the front of Christmas cards. Were there three men or more? It isn't clear. Where were they from? Once again, no specific information is given. One thing IS known, however, they were wise. The second chapter of Matthew begins with these words, "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," (Matthew 2:1; KJV).

Intelligence is a gift. These men were well aware that God had given them something special - and they were using it to seek Him. A brilliant star had appeared in the heavens, and somehow they knew that it led to the long-awaited Messiah. They travelled countless miles, ending up in Jerusalem, in the audience of Herod the king.

Herod was unaware of the birth of this 'King of the Jews,' the wise men referenced. He called the chief priests and scribes, demanding where Christ was to be born. Words from the scroll of Micah were consulted, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting," (Micah 5:2).

The wise men left Herod, heading in the direction of Bethlehem. As they gazed up at the night sky, their hearts nearly skipped a beat. There it was - the star they had seen in the east. And it led them directly to the object of their search - Jesus.

The search had ended. Celebration followed. These men had trusted God to lead them to Christ, and they were not disappointed. As they were invited into the home of Mary and Joseph, they "...fell down, and worshipped him (Jesus): and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh," (Matthew 2:11).

In their wisdom, these men knew that Jesus was worthy of the finest gifts they had to offer. They came prepared to worship. From our introduction to these men on the pages of scripture, to the last words we read of them, they are faithful to use the gift God gave them to glorify Him.

Although Herod had instructed them to return to him after they found Jesus, the Lord warned them to take a different route on their journey home. They obeyed without question.

What gift, talent, or ability has God given you? Are you using it selfishly or using it to pursue Him? How will you worship Him today with your gift?


Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of the wise men, who diligently sought Jesus. And when they found Him, worshipped wholeheartedly. Help me to use the gifts You've given me to worship and glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.




10 comments:

  1. Lovely post Maria! I think God has given me the gift of compassion/empathy and I am using it to help others (in my job) I also think God has blessed me with creative hands, and I use it to try to make home made crafts to bring a smile to other people's faces. It may not be much, but I am thankful for whatever God has blessed me with, and willing to share with others

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  2. This is exactly right...and can be applied to life itself. God wants us to LIVE...but live for Him. Life is His gift and we can spend it on ourselves, or in His service. Hallelujah!

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  3. Hi Maria - its interesting reading this history from the wise men's perspective. They obeyed their God and were abundantly blessed. Great post.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  4. Ah, those wise men! Yes, it is wonderful to see God's guiding hand in how we are to be serving Him. Of course I believe my writing is a gift and I am serving God in that way, but I also enjoy working with kids at church and participating in Drama Team at church--something I've loved since a young age. And then there's prayer--I'm loving being part of several groups who pray for one another, their families, and close friends. What a blessing!

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  5. Two of my gifts are writing and encouraging and I use them both for Him, as much as I can. it brings great fulfillment. Good post, thank you dear.

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  6. nice post! thanks for sharing...blessings soraya

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  7. I think we're thinking on the same plane. I posted about the wise men today! God gave me a big imagination and the love of writing. I use it all for Him! :)

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  8. Great post! It took me a while to figure it out, but I finally realized that God gave me a love for His word and a gift for writing that I needed to use to encourage others. I am never more fulfilled then when I'm doing just that. Praise Him for His good gifts!

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  9. Great post, Maria. I recently took a spiritual gifts inventory, and some of the strongest categories were in faith and writing. I've learned firsthand that faith gets stronger as you go through trials. When I first found out that my hubby was deploying, I was sad, depressed, and fearful. Yet now, although I do worry at times, I spend more time praying and trusting God with my husband's safety and our marriage. And you know what? A lot of that initial fear went away! I look back on what frightened me in the past and it all just seems small in the face of our God.

    Sorry for the rambling, lol. Just wanted to say that I recognize that God has given me a stronger faith that allows me to keep persevering, whether that's in writing for Him or being strong for my husband.

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  10. Hi Maria,
    This is one of my passions! Every few years, I teach a class on discovering spiritual gifts. Nothing is more satisfying that being used by God as He intends.
    I was so convicted when God showed me that out of fear I was burying my "talent" like the wicked and lazy servant rather than investing it as the other servants did. Major life change after that!
    Blessings to you,
    Susan

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