Worship the King

Christmas cards depicting the night Christ was born typically include Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, shepherds, a smattering of farm animals, and the Magi, who we refer to as the “three wise men.” Those travelers from the east, however, didn’t actually come until later — probably not until Jesus was a toddler. (Matthew 2:11 tells us they visited the baby in a home, not a stable.) They followed the star of Bethlehem and traveled about nine hundred miles, most likely from Persia, modern day Iran. Why?

They may have been familiar with this prophecy of Balaam, who lived near Persia:

I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. — Numbers 24:17 ESV

They were educated enough to read the signs, and they knew that this little boy was the promised King. They had said to King Herod,

Where is the newborn King of the Jews?… We have come to worship Him. — Matthew 2:2

We can’t give Christ gold, frankincense, and myrrh the way the Magi did, but we can give Him the greatest gift the wise men offered: the gift of their worship.

Whether we kneel with heads bowed low or we stand with our arms raised high, we declare that He alone is worthy of praise.

Worship is not only a precious gift to God; it also changes us. Worship puts us in a right position with Christ and adjusts our perspective. It fills our hearts with love for Him and encourages our faith like nothing else can.

No wonder the wise men made such an effort to be where Jesus was. What an honor it is to worship the King, and what a joy it is to love Him!

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Five Minutes in the Word

Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him. — Matthew 2:2

Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe. — Psalm 5:7

Who may worship in Your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter Your presence on Your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. — Psalm 15:1-2

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him. — Matthew 28:8-9 NIV

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. — Romans 12:1 NIV

Excerpted with permission from 5 Minutes with Jesus by Sheila Walsh, copyright Sheila Walsh.

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Your Turn

Worship is a precious gift we can give Jesus. It doesn’t require wealth. It doesn’t require fame. It doesn’t require power. Worship only requires our humility and our hearts. O come, let us adore Him today! Share your thoughts on worshipping Jesus with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily