Like the magi, we should worship Christ and follow Him regardless of inconvenience
Matthew 2:7-11
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Of all the responses we could have toward Christmas, worship is the one that pleases God. Unlike the scribes and chief priests who showed no interest in the report of the Messiah’s birth, or Herod, who responded with hatred, we have every reason to rejoice greatly that Jesus came to earth in human flesh. We are truly blessed that Christ’s purpose in coming was for His death on the cross to pay the penalty our sins deserved.
The magi traveled all the way from the East for the sole purpose of worshipping the infant King of the Jewish people. They knew that a star signaled His birth, and they journeyed hundreds of miles to find Him.
The magi believed that God was leading them to the King, and when they finally arrived in Bethlehem, they worshipped the Christ child by humbling themselves and presenting Him with gifts. These were wealthy, respected men, yet they considered that little boy to be greater than themselves.
This year, we need to compare our response to the Savior with the magi’s example of worship. Is Jesus the focus of our celebrations, or have we let other interests take first place? Are we more concerned about gifts for friends and family than we are about self-sacrifice for the Lord’s sake?
It’s easy to become focused on the traditions of Christmas to the point that we lose sight of Jesus. So let’s step back in time and imagine all the inconveniences, setbacks, and vulnerability the magi endured in their pursuit of the infant King. Shouldn’t we also be willing to follow Him, no matter what it takes?
In Touch Ministries