The wise men came into Jesus’ presence prepared to praise him with their hearts and worship him with their wealth. I believe this is what made these men wise. The same is true for us today. It is the wise thing for us to have reverence for God. It is wise for us to...
I have heard of the Christmas story many different times and ways throughout the years. I have read it. I have listened to others read it. I have watched people act it out in Christmas plays. Of all the times I have experienced the Christmas story in Matthew chapter 2, I have never questioned why the wise men were considered to be wise until this year and I believe the Holy Spirit has given me the answer. It is important to discover the why of their wisdom so you to can be wise and enjoy the fruit of wisdom as they did.
According to Proverbs 9:10, wisdom begins with having reverence for God. Reverence for God consists of us yielding our lives to His Lordship on a daily bases. It consists of us dying to ourselves and allowing His desires to be on the forefront of our daily lives. Reverence for God is us allowing Jesus to call the shots and being willing and obedient to the shots He calls for us. Reverencing God is honoring God, honoring God is obeying God, and obeying God is loving God. Jesus said if you love me, keep my commands (John 14:15). The wise men in what we call the Christmas story, had reverence for Jesus.
In the first part of Matthew chapter one we find the wise men inquiring of others about Jesus and His location. I believe them desiring to see Jesus and be in His presence made them wise. I believe all wise people are those who seek out Jesus and love being in His presence. For in His presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” Matthew 2:11.
Another thing I discovered about the wise men was once they found Jesus they worshipped Him. They came to Jesus with their hearts prepared for worship. I believe they exhausted all of the words in their language to express their thankful hearts and declare the greatness of the savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Notice in Matthew 2:11, the wise men’s worship was more than just lip service of praise, they broke open their treasures, took of their wealth and gave lavishly to Jesus. This is what made them wise. These guys understood they were in the presence of a King. Not just any king, but The King of all kings. Their gifts revealed their faith in Jesus. Their gifts were a statement. Their gifts said, “We believe you are the King of the world and deserve our very best.
The wise men came into Jesus’ presence prepared to praise him with their hearts and worship him with their wealth. I believe this is what made these men wise. The same is true for us today. It is the wise thing for us to have reverence for God. It is wise for us to seek out Jesus daily and make time to sit in His presence. It is wise for us to sing His praises and worship Him with our wealth.
As Christmas 2016 is upon us and 2017 is around the corner I would like to present to you the “wise man challenge.” I want to challenge you to do as the wise men did this Christmas. Take out your bible and read the Christmas story with your family found in Matthew 2 and Luke 2. After you do this take some time to pray together and praise God together. Last but not least, talk with your spouse if you have one and come up with the best monetary gift you can and give to Jesus. You give to Jesus by giving to a church, ministry, or a person in need. Pray about where to give your gift and the Holy Spirit will direct you. Elizabeth and I are are excited to take the “wise man challenge” as a family and hope you will experience joy by doing it as well. God bless you and Merry Christmas!!!