Suggested reading: Matthew chapter 2 verses 1-12

We reach today our concluding meditation on the challenges presented to us by the worship of the wise men.

5. CHALLENGE: WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER IN WORSHIP?
a) we read concerning the wise men: ‘And when they had opened their treasures (caskets), they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh’, Matthew chapter 2 verse 11.
b) they did not come into the presence of the King, empty-handed
c) clearly, they had given a great deal of thought beforehand as to what they would offer
d) they opened their gifts – how unfulfilled they would have been if the gifts had remained unopened and unpresented
e) their gifts that were appropriate – gold (speaking of His Deity), frankincense (speaking of the fragrance of His life), myrrh (speaking of His suffering and death)
f) their worship was for Christ!

Let us each challenge ourselves today as to whether we have anything of worth to offer the Lord Jesus in worship.

6. CHALLENGE: DOES WORSHIP MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE TO YOUR LIFE?
a) it meant a pathway of obedience for the wise man – ‘Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way’, Matthew chapter 2 verse 12.
b) once God had warned them, they obeyed!
c) once you have known what it is to truly worship, you will not be the same as when you came – in a very real sense you will go home ‘another way’ – you will feel spiritually enriched!
d) however, it will not always be an easy return journey – there are often those who will mock and belittle you for not wanting to live like them – the wise men had to cross inhospitable and mountainous country, east of Bethlehem to reach home.