We shift back to Matthew as we continue to observe the birth of the Messiah. As Jesus was being born in Bethlehem, Magi living east of Judea are alerted to his birth by a miraculous star and they arrive to worship him.
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him” (Matt. 2:1-12)
The birth of Christ creates contrasting response in the hearts of men. Those living outside of Judea hear of the newborn king and want to worship him, and yet those like Herod, who is a descendant of Israelites kin the Edomites, is threatened by the news of a king (Matt. 2:3-8).
The wise men, upon leaving Herod are on a mission to worship king Jesus, and God provides the means for them. He sends a star to guide them to the exact house where the Child was. This is a great truth: The God who called them to worship, enabled them to worship.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matt. 2:10-11).
God not only calls us to worship and enable us to worship, his dealings with the Magi show that he preserves us for future worship as well:
“And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way” (Matt. 2:12).
That’s our God. He get all the credit.
Gospel Meditations 