They Rejoiced And Worshipped

-December 8, 2021-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

(Matthew 2:10-11).

The story of the wisemen or magi, is amazing. These men traveled hundreds of miles following a star that guided them on their journey. These men were highly educated, especially in astronomy. They knew that this star was unlike any they had ever seen before. God had directed them to travel to see the new born King of the Jews. Most likely they came riding on camels. We often refer to the three wisemen because they brought three gifts with them, but we don’t know that for certain.

The star led them to the land of Israel. Upon arrival they went straight to King Herod asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2). Herod ascertained from the chiefs and scribes where the Christ was to be born; they cited the Scripture in Micah, that He would be born in Bethlehem in the land of Judah. So off they went to Bethlehem at the king’s directive. Once again they saw the same star which led them right to where Jesus was.

By this time, Jesus was about two years old. He and His mother Mary were there, no longer in a manger but in a house. They found the One they were looking for. Our text says, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.” Their joy was soon coupled with worship. Notice, they didn’t worship Mary, as so many do today; they worshipped Him. He alone is God, the Messiah; worshipping any other person is idolatry and blasphemy.

These wisemen offered their three gifts to the One who created them, and who was born to save them from their sins. At this time their knowledge was limited, but what they did know of Him caused them to fall down before the Child and worship Him. These gifts they presented to Him they carried with them during their journey: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each one of these three gifts had intrinsic monetary value, but importantly had the highest spiritual value.

Gold, the most precious commodity, symbolized His deity. It is worthy of a king, and even more worthy of the King of the Jews, the King of kings, the King of glory. It reminds me of Psalm 95:6, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” He deserves all our praise and worship, for He is perfect God.

Frankincense is an aromatic resin used in making incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Bosweilla in the family Burseraceae. It is a beautiful picture of the the humanity of Christ. Not only was He perfect God, but He was perfect Man as well. Jesus often referred to Himself as the Son of Man. He was sinless, blameless, innocent, and perfect. Hebrews 7:26 says of Him, “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens.”

Myrrh is associated with bitterness. It was an important herb and is mentioned some 152 times in the Bible. It was used as a spice, a natural remedy, and to purify the dead. It portrayed Christ in His suffering and death on the cross. He gave His life to save us.

The wisemen brought the best gifts worthy of the Lord, who was perfect God, perfect man, and who took man’s place on the cross. I am sure when these wisemen returned home they were rejoicing and had wonderful things to share with their families, friends, and fellow countrymen. Let us be those who share Jesus with others. The gospel is the good news, the life changing news of salvation through Him.

Have a blessed day rejoicing in and worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean