Let me share with you an interesting take on this story of the wise men that I read:
One of the three wise men felt sure that what the world needed was a King, one who could rule the nations with authority and power, put down unrighteousness, and bring prosperity and peace to mankind. So, certain that the star would lead them to a King, he brought a royal present, a gift of gold.
The second wise man, knowing that the world’s ideas of God were warped, thought that God needed to come down here in human form and show the world what He was really like. So, wanting God to be manifest in the flesh, he brought frankincense, a gift for deity since incense is used for worship.
The third hoped that the star would lead them to a Saviour. This wise man knew that the world was a sinful place, sadly in need of One who would take on Himself the weight and guilt of the sins of mankind and atone for them. So, convinced that such a great Saviour must also be a great sufferer, he brought myrrh, a gift for one destined to die since the spice was used to embalm the bodies of the dead.
They came to Bethlehem and when the star had led them to a child in a woman’s arms; all three were at first overwhelmed with chagrin and dismay. Then they heard Mary sing the song recorded by Luke in Luke 1:45-47: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
“The Lord!” cried the first wise man. “Then I have found my King!” And he presented his gift of gold.
“In God!” exclaimed the second wise man. “Then I have found my God!” And he presented his gift of frankincense.
“My Saviour!” chorused the third wise man. “Then I have found my Saviour!” And he presented his gift of myrrh.
They did not hold back. They gave their best. In worshipping the Lord, in worshipping God, in worshipping the savior, they gave us the example of not holding back when they understood completely who this child was.
You may say I have nothing to give, oh but you do. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Are you giving God your all and your best with your life? Are you giving God your mind to be renewed? We all have something that we can give to God and that is our lives and we are not to hold those back. Have you completely given your life and mind over to Christ or are you holding back?
What are your thoughts?
