MY GIFT FOR JESUS

Footsteps to Zion//
Copyright © 2014 CreationSwap LLC

 Text: Matthew 2:1-12

Wise men:
  • Called Magis
  • Came from Persia as told by the Greek historian Herodotus
  • Renowned for wisdom and studies in medicine and natural science, astronomy
  • Saw an unusual astronomic event
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy." (Matthew 2:10)
Even as it says in 1 Chronicles 16:10, "Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!"

 The coming of the Magi tells us that worship of God is in all classes, Jews and Gentiles, poor and rich.

"He is still found by those who search Him"

It took the wise men days before they found the Lord. They were diligent to travel hundreds of miles to see the Messiah. They were guided by a star. Something happened in the heavens that time, and we are not sure exactly what it is. But they saw a star. God provided them a light to their path. We do not know if they are worshippers of the true living God, and yet, God provided them a guiding light. It is so wonderful to be assured that even now, to those who seek the Lord sincerely in their hearts, God provides the Guiding Light, His Holy Spirit. He will direct us in the right path if He sees that our hearts are set to follow Him at all costs. How sincere will we be in our pursuit of Him? Are we among those who will be just driven with emotion and seek God if we just feel like it?

"He is still found by those who search Him"

What hinders us from seeking Him? Psalms 10:4 tells us that the wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God. God is in none of his thoughts. The pride in our hearts hinders us! Seeking the Lord involves humility. It is laying down our defenses before Him, allowing Him to soften our hardened hearts and genuinely coming to Him with desperation: I NEED YOU, OH GOD! I CANNOT DO IT ON MY OWN. It is the humble who seek Him, He who is the humblest person in the world, the King of kings, and Almighty God, born in a manger.

 When the wise men have found Jesus, they were prepared to give. They didn't come empty handed:

  • Gold - speaks of His deity
  • Frankincense - burned with fire to release fragrance (type of suffering)
  • Myrrh - embalming fluid of the East (death)

These three gifts were symbolic and prophetic of the fact that Jesus, who is God, was born to suffer and die for the sins of the world. And maybe these three gifts are also the ones that we need to offer our God! 

Gold

Jesus tells us in Revelations 3:18, "I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich." What is this gold? Bob Sorge says it's the gold of authentically produced character. It is Christ-likeness.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:5)

Giving our “gold” means allowing ourselves to be subjected to God’s “fire”, the dealings of the Holy Spirit that are intended to refine us. 


Frankincense

Frankincense speaks of faithfulness (see Song of Songs 4:12-14). Faithfulness is completing the task God has given us. It is being true to our words and promises and being reliable, trustworthy, and steadfast.

Areas of faithfulness:

  1. Faithful in that which is least: "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." (Luke 16:10) 
  2. Faithful in the things of the world, especially finances: "If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?" (Luke 16:11) 
  3. Faithful in that which is another man's: "If you have not faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you your own?" (Luke 6:12) 
  4. Faithful in the realm of sexual purity: "Concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord, yet I give my judgment as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful." (1 Corinthians 7:25)

Offering our frankincense is being faithful to the Lord, knowing that where sin and temptation abounds, God's grace abounds all the more!


Myrrh

Myrrh is embalming fluid in the East. Myrrh speaks of meekness which is so precious in God’s eyes, even as it said in 1 Peter 3:4: "A meek and quiet spirit is of great price in the sight of God." Therefore, this fruit makes us pleasing to the Lord. Meekness is great strength and control of our spirit so that we do not respond or react when people oppose or persecute us. It is strength of character that does not retaliate or defend itself. Meekness is complete separation from self and personal feelings. A truly meek person is not occupied with self and overly concerned about his rights being vindicated. 

May we offer our gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and may our offerings be acceptable to God this Christmas! 


References: 

The Comforter, Dr. Brian Bailey

Secrets of the Secret Place, Bob Sorge

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