The Wise Men Worship (v.7-12)
How do Wise Men worship? First, notice that their search for the newborn King was characterized by joy. When the star reappeared in the sky they "rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." They did not just rejoice - they rejoiced exceedingly. They did not just rejoice exceedingly, but they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew uses this unique phrase to emphasize that these men were ecstatic. Once the star reappeared and the Wise Men realized that they were very close to their destination, they were filled with excitement and anticipation. They had come such a long way, and now they were finally going to behold this King.
In the same way, we ought also to seek out Jesus in joy. Some days we feel Christ's presence with us, and we walk with Him and talk with Him and bask in His friendship. Other days it seems as though Christ is far away, and we wonder if He even hears our prayers. On these occasions, we ought to pursue Jesus joyfully as the Wise Men did, rejoicing as we draw nearer and nearer to Him in our devotional life.
Notice also that the Wise Men worshiped Jesus with humility. We are told that they "fell down and worshiped Him." Obviously this does not mean that they tripped and fell down to the ground. This was a voluntary kneeling before the King as a sign of honor and reverence. Falling before the baby was a sign that these men were choosing to place themselves in submission to Him. They were at His service.
Similarly, I can think of no greater act of worship to God than to submit ourselves to His will. Jesus once said, "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me." The greatest test of the authenticity of our love for Jesus is whether or not we are willing to submit our lives to His commands. Submission truly is the highest form of worship.
Finally, notice that the Wise Men expressed their submission and service to the new King not only by falling before Him, but by offering gifts to him. Giving is a vital part of worship. We cannot give our lives to Christ without also giving Him every material possession that we own. We must choose to dedicate all that we have to Him. My house is His house. My car is His car. My checking account is His checking account. Whatever use these things might be for His kingdom, I must be willing to do with them as He leads.
Ask yourself this question: Am I truly living in submission to God? Are my words of praise and love to Jesus backed up with authentic actions of service to Him? Can I honestly say that everything I am and everything I own is His, and at His disposal? A true disciple of Jesus holds nothing back from His Master. I challenge you to take a few moments in prayer to offer anew yourself and all that you own as an offering to God. Worship Him right now by submitting your will to His.
Justin Nale is the pastor of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC - http://www.mhmbc.org
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