Epiphany Worshiping Jesus
Matthew 2:1-12
Today (January 6th) is Epiphany. It's the day in the church calendar when we celebrate the manifestation of God in the flesh by re-telling the story of the Magi's search for Jesus. There are many exciting elements to the story of the Wise Men - they travel from a distant land ("the east"), present expensive gifts to the Child, and avoid King Herod on their trip home. It's an action-packed dramatic portion of Scripture with the centerpiece of the story being found in verse 11: "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."
The Magi were foreigners. They were men of power and affluence. So different from the lowly shepherds who had an angelic visitation, the Magi had to travel far as they followed a star and then enlist Herod in finding Jesus exact location. I'm amazed at the perseverance and dedication of the Magi. What motivated them? The text tells us that they had seen the star of the king of the Jews in the east and came to worship Him (vs 2). Somehow the Magi comprehended something very mysterious - God had come to dwell with humans and He was a King for everyone. In their act of devotion, they reveal to the world the appropriate response to this Child: worship.
We, too, can reveal or show forth the truth of Jesus' identity through our worship of Him. Think of the Magi. They bowed down before Jesus. They humbled themselves although they were far "greater" than He if judged by wisdom and wealth. They worshipped Him and offered gifts they had brought. Their actions revealed the worthiness and holiness of the Christ Child. As we humble ourselves before Jesus, adore Him, and offer Him all that we have, our lives will reflect His grace, truth, and love and reveal to those around that He truly is God.
Let me encourage you, as you make this transition out of the Christmas season, keep one song alive in your heart all through the year: "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."
Today (January 6th) is Epiphany. It's the day in the church calendar when we celebrate the manifestation of God in the flesh by re-telling the story of the Magi's search for Jesus. There are many exciting elements to the story of the Wise Men - they travel from a distant land ("the east"), present expensive gifts to the Child, and avoid King Herod on their trip home. It's an action-packed dramatic portion of Scripture with the centerpiece of the story being found in verse 11: "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."
The Magi were foreigners. They were men of power and affluence. So different from the lowly shepherds who had an angelic visitation, the Magi had to travel far as they followed a star and then enlist Herod in finding Jesus exact location. I'm amazed at the perseverance and dedication of the Magi. What motivated them? The text tells us that they had seen the star of the king of the Jews in the east and came to worship Him (vs 2). Somehow the Magi comprehended something very mysterious - God had come to dwell with humans and He was a King for everyone. In their act of devotion, they reveal to the world the appropriate response to this Child: worship.
We, too, can reveal or show forth the truth of Jesus' identity through our worship of Him. Think of the Magi. They bowed down before Jesus. They humbled themselves although they were far "greater" than He if judged by wisdom and wealth. They worshipped Him and offered gifts they had brought. Their actions revealed the worthiness and holiness of the Christ Child. As we humble ourselves before Jesus, adore Him, and offer Him all that we have, our lives will reflect His grace, truth, and love and reveal to those around that He truly is God.
Let me encourage you, as you make this transition out of the Christmas season, keep one song alive in your heart all through the year: "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."
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