“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “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.”” (Matthew 2:1–2, NASB95)
We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him. Worship. It’s the natural response of a disciple’s heart to the One who has rescued them from their past life and promised them a new life. Out of gratitude and joy, fully devoted followers of Jesus long to step into His presence and give Him the honor that is due His name.
And perhaps that is where we can make a significant observation. Worship flows from the longing of a grateful heart. And when it flows, there is no expense, no cost that is out of bounds in the pursuit of honoring our God.
Consider these men of Persia (current Iran). As they observed the stars and saw the phenomenon, they knew a new King was born and mounted a trek to see Him and bring Him gifts that would rival His worth. Perhaps knowing the Messiah was coming to Israel from the writings and wisdom passed down from Daniel of old, they sought some sort of sign of His coming.
Now, at extreme cost and great effort, they assembled their team, hired their security, acquired their provisions, and set out on the more than 1,000 mile journey to see “He who has been born King of the Jews.” For these men, no inconvenience was too great!
Admire their conviction. Appreciate their sacrifice. Imitate their devotion. If this is what men from a distant land did thousands of years ago to honor the One who was but born, not knowing His name or the fame that would come by dying for the souls of humanity, how much more should we demonstrate His worth through out actions?
As we reflect on the magi for one more moment, perhaps in your heart of hearts you realize that worship does not flow in such generous rivers. Your sacrifices are far less than extravagant. Your inconveniences are much more annoying than overcome.
Could it be that there is a need within you to reflect and then return to your first love? Allow His love to flow through you again!
Train Them Thursdays seeks to wed the Great Commission directive of Jesus with the practice He employed while on Earth. Each nugget is meant to encourage the reader with a “can-do” spirit to realize that discipleship is something each person is both capable of and empowered to accomplish. Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, writes each thought and they flow out of decades of his tried and true field-testing in multiple settings from rural to inner city. He welcomes your comments below.
