Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV)
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.
The wise men were guided to Jesus by the star. In the dark of night as they traveled many miles to find the one who was said to be the King of the Jews. Jesus was born into very humble circumstances. He was born into a very poor family. Often times we may believe to do great things for God we need to be born into a wonderful family or be a person of privilege. But often with God it is quite opposite.
These wise men were gentiles and they were royalty. To many it would seem foolish that grown men would humble themselves and bow down before a baby. But this simply pointed to who Jesus really was. He wasn't merely the Son of Joseph and Mary, He was the Son of God.
The three gifts brought to Jesus have meaning and purpose when it relates to revealing who He truly is. The gold speaks of His royalty and Him truly being king. The frankincense speaks to Jesus deity and Jesus being fully God. The myrrh speaks to Jesus humanity and His future suffering. Myrrh was used as part of the embalming process.
Everything that happened during the course of Jesus life happened with purpose and according to the Father's will. Today for those of us who are born again and saved by the grace of God, we have the greatest gift anyone could have. So many focus on empty, earthly gifts that in time will fade away and no longer exist. But in knowing Christ our lives are forever changed. Not only are our sins forgiven and some day we will rule and reign with Him in eternity, but eternal life begins now and while we have breath in our lungs we can walk closely with Him every day.
Let us never forget that the one we call Lord and Savior is truly a King. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We may get focused on who sits in the seat of authority on this earth, but let us never forget that over all the nations and over all the kings, there is one who sits with true power and authority and HIs name is Jesus. To know Jesus is to know the one who holds all things together by His mighty power. To know Jesus is to know the one who controls the future and holds every breath and heart beat in His hands. To know Jesus is to know the Son of God and to be reconciled to God the Father in right relationship.
Let us stop focusing on this world and how broken it is. No matter what earthly person sits in power they will be flawed because they themselves are human and broken. But let us seek the one whose throne is built upon the pillars of justice and righteousness and who is perfect in every way. May our hearts simply be surrendered to Him today and may the focus of our lives every minute of every day simply be King Jesus!
Prayer
Father forgive me for focusing on things that I should not. Help me to focus my heart and mind upon your Son Jesus. Father remove every fear and discouragement. Help me to simply keep my heart and mind focused on your kingdom and know that the return of Jesus is very soon. Father I thank you for every challenge and for holding my every moment in your hands. I thank you for forgiven me and using even the mistakes in my life to mold and shape me. Father I thank you for choosing to use a broken person for your glory and your honor. Father today in all things be magnified and may the name of Jesus be honored in all that I do. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
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