Coming to the Lord with a Heart of Worship
Scripture Passage: Matthew 2:1-12 (NASB)
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;
For from you will come forth a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went on their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on ahead of them until it came to a stop over the place where the Child was to be found. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And after being warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
SUMMARY
The magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem in search for Jesus who was born in Bethlehem. They were looking for the King of the Jews and have come to worship Him. However all Jerusalem and even king Herod was troubled as they sought the Messiah who was born. Herod requested for the magi to inform him when they’ve found Him so he can worship too but were warned by God to take another route. When the magi found the Child, they fell down and worshiped Him and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
REFLECTION
The magi sought the Messiah fervently and traveled far and wide and found the promised One. Their sole purpose was to worship Him (Matthew 2:2). They prepared Him gifts of the heart of worship as well as precious gifts that only a worthy king would be offered. Contrastingly, Herod lived not far from where Jesus was born, but he neither sought Him nor had any true conviction to worship Him. His search for Christ was to protect his own reign but not let Christ reign in his own personal heart. I’m guilty of saying that I seek the Lord, but in my deepest spirit, had other agendas of selfish gain and self glory.
APPLICATION
Coming to the Lord with a heart of worship is truly a reflection of a surrendered and a servant-like heart. How can I be calculating and seek my own benefit when I’m in the presence of the King of kings and the Lord of lords?
I would not even have the words to utter anything in His awesome presence. And yet I take so much liberty and make senseless excuses in my attitude and heart of worship before God.
In Jeremiah 29:13 it says, “You will seek me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” I’m not full with Christ because my heart has become full with other things. I want to seek Him with all my heart by coming before the Lord with an attitude of complete humility whether my worship is at home or at church. I will dedicate myself to make it to church on time and also heart-fully prepare my Sunday offering and cheerfully give.
PRAYER
Thank You Lord that You came in the form of a baby to share my pain and endure the suffering of the cross to save me. You searched and drew me to You and now I want to seek to worship You all of my days. Forgive me Lord for the wrongful attitudes I had in worshipping You. I ask You to always grant me a hungry spirit, a humble heart, and thankful lips to offer to You a living worship pleasing to You. I ask that Your Name will only be glorified, and Your will be done and that Your kingdom will come.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
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