Paying Homage

What do you think of when you hear someone paying tribute? What does it mean to give homage to someone? Do you believe it is respecting and honoring the person verbally? Do you believe it is presenting the person with gifts? Could it be both?

It is awards season, which means there will be several awards shows on our televisions. We may not watch them all, but there is a good chance we will watch at least one of them. The premise of all of them is the same—giving performers a trophy for being the best in a category.

In those awards shows, there may be a special tribute to someone for a unique achievement or a lifetime achievement. Those people receive special trophy and typically have multiple people speak about their accomplishments. Those awards mean a lot, but the presentation is usually done in about two to three minutes. Imagine, a lifetime of work wrapped up in such a short time.

It was different for Jesus. When He was born, there was a celebration at multiple locations. First, Mary and Joseph celebrated His birth. Having heard the stories of many mothers, I’m sure Mary was relieved, tired, and joyous all at the same time.

Next, the shepherds in the field were shocked at the appearance of angels, overjoyed, and so excited they had to go tell everyone they saw about what they had heard and seen.

Finally, the wise men from three different places of origin came to pay tribute to Him. Their places of origin are modern day Spain, Yemen, and Sudan/Eritrea respectively. We don’t know if they knew one another beforehand or happened to travel and arrive at the same time. We do know they came out of respect and to honor God’s anointed Son. Though we do not know exactly when they arrived, we do know it was within the first couple years of His birth and likely within a couple months.

All of this took place for an infant who had not begun God’s ministry yet. The homage they gave was for what He would do. If they paid homage for what was to come, how much more should we honor Him for what we know He did? We can learn a lesson from the angels, shepherds, and wise men. We are to honor Him as the Son of God, the fulfillment of God’s promise.

I pray we all follow the example of the angels, shepherds, and wise men. I pray we honor Jesus for who He is and what He has done. I pray each one of us are in awe of who Jesus is—the Son of God and our Savior. See Jesus for who He is. Honor Him. Pay homage to Him. Be in awe of Him.

Psalm 72:10

May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles 

render him tribute, 

may the kings of Sheba and Seba 

bring gifts.

God’s Gifts

How carefully are you when it comes to picking out a gift? Are you more careful with people whom you love than your co-workers? Have you ever purchased a gift for someone very special? Did you purchase an expensive gift? Or did you give them something that was special to you?

Gift giving can be a challenge. We want give a gift of equal value to the gift we receive from someone else. It can become a competition. One person trying to outdo another. Choosing a gift for someone special can require us to put a lot of thought into it.

It doesn’t matter if the gift is for a birthday, Christmas, or a special occasion. Giving the appropriate gift for someone we care for causes us to spend time thinking, looking, and finally choosing. The more special the person is to us, the more time we spend seeking the right gift. We put a lot of thought and love into choosing the gift and hope the person receiving it loves what we have chosen.

The wise men likely put thought into the gifts they brought to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They brought three gifts that were fit for a king. The gifts were valuable and expensive. Though the wise men brought the gifts because they knew who Jesus was, those gifts also would provide a means of traveling and living for Mary and Joseph as they escaped to Egypt.

God provides us with gifts, we call them blessings, that prepare us for the future. We may see them as small blessings or large blessings. We may not even recognize them until later. Why does God bless us? He blesses us because he loves us, and we are special to him.

I pray we all see the blessings God blesses us with. I pray we know that God loves us. I pray each one of us realize that we are special to God and he cares for us very much. See God’s blessings. Know he is preparing you for the future. Know you are special. Know that God loves you.

Matthew 2:11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

God’s Signs

Have you ever seen a shooting star? Did you wish upon it? Have you seen or made aware of a key indicator that something big was about to happen? Did it happen as you envisioned it would? Have you thought what it might have been like for the wise men who were seeking Jesus?

There is something magical about a shooting star…though they are not stars at all. I have seen them a few times and simply think they are cool. But they are really small pieces of an asteroid and they burn up as they enter our atmosphere, which is why they are bright.

Seeing or hearing about a key indicator that something big is about to happen can be exhilarating. Especially if what is about to happen is a great thing that is in our favor. If we hear there are going to be big raises, we get excited. If we hear we are going to be promoted, we get excited. When those things actually happen, we get excited again.

The wise men had seen a star that indicated the Messiah had been born. They knew the Jewish prophecies. Perhaps each one of them did not know the whole set of prophecies. Perhaps each knew some of them and consulted with one another to come to the proper conclusion. On the other hand, God may have enlightened them.

Regardless of how they knew, the wise men knew the star indicated the Messiah had been born and headed toward it. Notice the Scripture does not state how many wise men there were. Why do we often hear or say there were three? It’s tradition. Prophecy says they came from three different regions, but it doesn’t say there are only three who travel.

We can learn a lesson from the wise men. God shows us signs of what he is doing in this world. We need to be attentive, see the signs, and interpret them properly. Of course, the best way to interpret them properly is to ask God to give us the interpretation.

I pray we all are attentive to see God’s signs. I pray we ask God to interpret his signs for us. I pray each one of us will follow God’s signs and act properly when we know the interpretation. See God’s signs. Ask God for their interpretation. Act properly on God’s signs. Learn from the wise men.

Matthew 2:1-2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

Hidden Treasure

Has the idea of seeking hidden treasure intrigued you? Would you like to go on a treasure hunt? Do you enjoy watching the Indian Jones movies? What would you do if you found a hidden treasure? Do you know hidden riches of Christ are available for you to find?

Finding a hidden treasure can be very intriguing, until we think about all the work and funding needed to seek it out. We may read books about pirates hiding their treasure and wonder what it would be like to find it. But treasure seekers require a lot of money to seek the treasure.

Personally, I enjoy watching the Indiana Jones movies. I also enjoy watching the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. But when reality sinks in, I know those movies are nothing more than fantasy. They are meant to be entertaining and nothing more.

There is a treasure we can seek and find. A treasure that is richer than treasure we can imagine. It is the treasure of knowing Jesus Christ and understanding the mystery of God that was hidden for so long. As we seek this treasure, we are granted small bits of it at a time. We learn more about who Jesus is. We gain a better understanding of who God is and how he works in our lives. We begin to see his plan unfolding.

We all know the ultimate treasure is being with Jesus forever. We know that will not happen until He returns to claim His own and plop us into the new heaven and new earth. We will live with Him in the new Jerusalem. We have visions of gold and crystal, amethyst and emerald, the tree of life, and God on his throne providing the endless light. But even those images pale in comparison to what that treasure will actually be.

I pray we all seek the treasure of Jesus Christ. I pray we seek to know Him better and understand God’s plan. I pray each one of us look forward to the ultimate treasure of spending eternity with God. Seek the treasure. Know Jesus better. Understand God’s plan. Be confident in the treasure that awaits you.

Ephesians 3:8-10 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Mystery of Jesus

Do you like mysteries? Do you enjoy unraveling what happened when and who was involved? Do you like to play detective, looking for clues, and putting the pieces together? Do you enjoy going to escape rooms and working your way out? Have you looked at the gospel in the same way?

Some of us enjoy mysteries. We watch the “who done it” mystery movies. We watch detective television shows. We follow along, note the clues, put the pieces together, and make our guesses of who committed the crime. We may do the same in real life cases. It is our curious nature.

Playing detective while watching a movie or a television show can be intriguing and enjoyable. Reading a good mystery book may have us wanting to quickly finish the book to see how things turn out. A good author can keep our attention and make the time fly. We don’t want to put the book down. We may even read late into the night.

The story of Jesus can be a mystery as well. As we read the Bible and put together the pieces, we can be intrigued as we discover prophecies written hundreds of years before He was born. Following His journey’s, seeing the miracles He performed, and discerning His teaching and purpose for it can be exhilarating.

The Apostle Paul states the mystery of God’s plan, sending Jesus to be our Savior, was not revealed to the people of the Old Testament, but was revealed when Jesus came. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, all of us have the opportunity to be members of Christ’s body and be heirs of eternal life with Him. That is the good news of Jesus Christ.

I pray we all seek to unravel the mystery of Jesus. I pray we dig into the Bible to better understand God’s plan. I pray each one of us will see the revealed mystery of Jesus Christ. Seek to understand the mystery of Jesus. Piece together the prophecies. Be an heir of eternal life.

Ephesians 3:5-6 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Prophetic Visitors

How well do you know the prophecy about Jesus? Do you know His birth was foretold hundreds of years before His birth? Do you know He was to come from the line of King David? Do you know the visit from the wise men and their gifts was foretold?

Most of us know there is prophecy about the birth of Jesus, even if we do not know where they are specifically in Scripture. We know He was to be born in Bethlehem. We know He was to be born of young woman who had bore no children. But we may not know much beyond that.

In the first few verses of Isaiah 60, the prophet tells of a light coming. Not just any light but the light of the Lord. In John 1, John refers to Jesus as that light. A light that overcame darkness and the darkness could not prevail against it. Isaiah says it is a new dawn, which we reference as a new covenant. In fact, Jesus speaks of the new covenant when He institutes the Lord’s Supper.

Notice in today’s passage the places from which the wise men will come. Notice the gifts they will bring. Isaiah prophesied their coming more than seven-hundred years before Jesus was born. Also notice there is no mention of there being three wise men. In fact, Isaiah states there will be a multitude of camels that will come from three different places. We do not know how many wise men actually came to pay homage to the infant Jesus. We can be assured they originated from three different places.

Knowing the prophecy about Jesus helps us better understand who He is. Knowing prophecy helps us see how God works in this world. We gain insight into God’s plan and his execution of it. Therefore, behooves us to research the prophecies about Jesus and can begin by reading the gospels and paying attention to their mention of Jesus fulfilling prophecy.

I pray we all desire to know more about Jesus. I pray we research prophecies about Him. I pray each one of us will seek a better understanding of who Jesus is and how God is executing his plan. Research prophecy. Desire to know who Jesus is. See how God fulfills his plan.

Isaiah 60:6

A multitude of camels shall cover you, 

the young camels of Midian and Ephah; 

all those from Sheba shall come. 

They shall bring gold and frankincense, 

and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Ascribe Glory to God

Do you give credit where credit is due? Or do you take credit for something you did not do? Are you aware of your surroundings? Do you notice the mundane as well as the extraordinary? Have you noticed how God has worked in your life and continues to work?

We often go about our daily lives by rote behavior. We drive the same route to work each morning. Our work routine is much the same, even if it includes different tasks. Our evenings at home become predictable. We might say we become stuck in a rut.

When we get stuck in a rut, we do not notice the little things. In fact, we may not notice big changes. We become bored. Our awareness of our surroundings shrinks to our immediate vicinity. Our attention to detail wanes. It is drudgery to make our way through a day.

On the other hand, if we train ourselves to be aware, we will notice the small things. We will see the trees budding. We will notice the wildlife playing at the edge of our yard. Our senses will be heightened and be attentive to the pain or joy of someone else. By looking at the eyes of another person, we can see their current situation and perhaps their history.

As our awareness increases, we notice God working in the world around us. We see him not only working in our lives but in the lives of others. We notice the grandeur of his creation. We are awed at what he has done and continues doing. In our awe and wonder, we are to give God the credit that is due him. We are to give him the glory.

I pray we all strive to be aware of our surroundings. I pray we notice God at work in our lives. I pray each one of us give God the credit due him for his work in our lives and the lives of others. Be aware of your surroundings. Notice God working. Give God the credit he is due. Give God the glory.

Psalm 29:1-2

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,

ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 

Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; 

worship the Lord in holy splendor.

Walk in the Light

What does a new year bring to you? Does it bring hope? Does it bring a renewed commitment to striving to improve your life? Do you have big plans for the coming year? Are you moving? Is there a new job on the horizon? Will you seek the light of Jesus this year?

For many of us, a new year brings a renewed hope and renewed energy to be better and to do better. Unfortunately, many will lose both their hope and energy within a few days. Why? They rely on personal will power rather than the One who grants us endless hope and energy.

When God created the heavens and the earth, he started will a blank canvas. There was nothing. He created matter. He created the very first living cell. He created the first drop of water. But the first thing he did was create light to dispel the darkness. He separated light from dark, creating day and night.

When we look at the first few verses of John 1, we see that Jesus is the light of the world. How appropriate that Genesis starts with God creating light and John starts by declaring Jesus is the light of the world. Spend a few moments thinking about that. Just as God started creation, Jesus brings a new creation. He brings a new covenant. He is the new beginning.

As we start a new year, perhaps we make a new beginning by committing or recommitting to follow Jesus. Wouldn’t be nice to have light in your life? I want light in my life. Jesus is the light we all need. He enlightens us with His Spirit. He lights our path as we travel through the darkness of this world. And He has promised to never leave us.

We can have the eternal light in our lives. We simply need to commit to following Jesus. By laying down our lives for Him, He becomes our life. We never have to walk in darkness again. We can confidently go through life knowing Jesus is with us every step of the way.

I pray we all commit or recommit to following Jesus. I pray we accept the light of Jesus into our lives. I pray each one of us will walk in the Light, never having to walk in darkness again. Commit to Jesus. Recommit to Jesus. Walk in the Light. Leave the darkness behind.

Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

Christmas Continued

Do you feel a letdown following Christmas? Once all the family gatherings are done, are you exhausted? Do you look forward to the new year? Do you reflect on the past year? Have you read beyond the story of Jesus’ birth? Do you know what happens next in Jesus’ life?

For many of us, Christmas is a very busy time. Even more so if you are in ministry or a pastor. There is the planning of additional services…and all the family gatherings. Many people travel hundreds of miles to be with family. There is so much to do in so little time.

By the time we get through all the Christmas activities, we are exhausted. Then what? We are invited to or are throwing our own New Year’s Eve party. Somehow, we manage to stay up until midnight to welcome in a new year. After a couple weeks of continuous activity, we need a vacation. We have crammed as much as we can into a couple weeks and ran ourselves ragged.

We have been so busy that we haven’t continued the Christmas story. We haven’t read what happened next in Jesus’ life. Unfortunately, that means we have missed a very important part of His story. We missed an important point about Mary and Joseph. We may have missed the same key point in the nativity text. Mary and Joseph were righteous people. They followed God’s law. Perhaps that is why they were chosen from the beginning to be the earthly parents of Jesus.

When they took Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to God, they heard amazing prophecy about him. Simeon tells them what their son would do. How Jesus would be the Great Revealer, the Rock, would grant wings like eagles, and be controversial for many. Simeon knew Jesus was the Messiah the moment he laid eyes on Him. Not only did Simeon know but Anna knew as well when she saw Him in the temple. She spoke of Jerusalem’s redemption.

I pray we all read the continuation of the Christmas story. I pray we, too, see Jesus as our Redeemer. I pray each one of us continue our celebration of Jesus coming to be our Savior and recommit to Him. Read the continuation of the Christmas story. See Jesus as the Messiah. Hear the wondrous stories about Him. Recommit to following Jesus.

Luke 2:33-35 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Purification

What does purification mean to you? Does it include a ritual you must perform or pass through to be purified? Is it wrangling with and asking God to purify your everyday thoughts? Do you consider yourself to be purified? Or are you still feeling tainted by the world around you?

We hold purity in high esteem. It may come in the form of a ritual in which we are purified. It may be wrestling within our minds to maintain pure thoughts. It may include relationships with others. Or it may be as simple as drinking purified water.

Being pure of mind, body, and spirit is likely something we strive for but feel we can never achieve it. We would be correct in that assumption if we are thinking of achieving it on our own. However, we are not required to achieve it on our own. Being pure, holy, and sanctified is not something we can do on our own. Only God can purify us and he will only do so if we ask and commit ourselves to him.

Luke combines two different acts in one setting. First, Jesus would have been presented at the temple on the eighth day to be dedicated to God as the firstborn male. Second, Mary would have presented the required offering at the temple for her purification on the thirty-fourth day (Leviticus 12). The point being made is that Mary and Joseph were following the law as presented by Moses.

What does all this mean for us? If we desire to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we should also seek to obey God’s commands. It is not always easy. In fact, it will be very challenging at times. We will be pressured by our family or friends to do something contrary to God’s commands. It can be as subtle as holding a grudge against someone who has done us wrong.

We see that Jesus was following God’s commands from the time He was born. Mary and Joseph presented Him at the temple. Mary completed her days of purification. It was a family affair to follow God’s commands. As we have our own families, we can make following God’s commands a family affair as well.

I pray we all seek to follow God’s commands. I pray we follow the example of Mary and Joseph. I pray each one of us will seek purification both by striving ourselves and asking God to purify us. Seek purification. Follow God’s commands. Make it a family affair. Ask God to purify you.

Luke 2:22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord