December 22, 1999
LIFE & WORK SERIES:
Three determined worshipers
came from the East
___Matthew 2:1-12
___By Debra Hochgraber
___Women's Evangelism Consultant, BGCT, Dallas
___Where are the wise men in your nativity scene? Usually they are right there in the stable with the shepherds and the holy family.
___As we study Scripture, we realize the wise men actually were traveling at that time, following the star that directed their journey from the East (Matthew 2:1-2). But it makes a beautiful scene, looking in on that moment when the Incarnate Christ was worshiped by men and angels for the very first time. Placing the wise men there a year or two earlier than when they actually found Jesus is not a big deal (vs. 11). It does, however, overlook animportant part of their worship.
___The wise men first had to find the child, which was not an easy task, acting on the little bit of truth visible to them each day through the star and their personal study.
___They faced definite obstacles along the way--the long journey, an unknown destination, an irrational king. ... But they were determined to worship this new king. Nothing would stand in their way. Are we that determined in our worship? Are there obstacles that prevent us from the worship we sense in those wise men? Do we allow full schedules to steal the time for our personal worship? Does fatigue from our activities keep us from experiencing congregational worship to the fullest?
___The wise men went into his presence. It is a simple truth, but David expresses throughout the Psalms that our attitude in worship is extremely important. We are to come into his presence with praise and thanksgiving, with a cleansed heart (Psalm 100:4; 51:1-2). Is there unconfessed sin in our hearts? Do we selfishly come to worship, expecting an environment that will stir our hearts, asking what the experience will do for us? The wise men came with no expectations, no requests. They worshiped this holy child out of sheer respect for his position, at great cost to themselves.
___We know what he did for us as he shed his blood on Calvary. And yet, the spirit of our worship often seems to depend upon the temperature of the room and the music chosen. It is wonderful to create a worshipful environment, but our desire for worship should not be more dependent upon circumstances than on the holiness of the one we worship.
___The wise men brought gifts suited to their circumstances and worthy of his kingship. Their gifts cost them something. What do we bring? David asked that we bring "a broken and contrite heart" (Psalm 51:16-17.) Paul said to "offer your bodies as living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1).
___The well-known story of a little shepherd boy said it well. We are to give him our hearts.
___The wise men had very little to go on, but they were determined to worship wholeheartedly. When you pack the wise men away, think about their journey. Take a moment to journey past any obstacles in your way and worship the one they worshiped so long ago.
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