| TRUE WORSHIP |
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Introduction: God is worthy of our worship. He created us to worship Him in truth and in spirit. In Christian worship, there are certain acts that will express our gratitude and devotion to our Lord. There are ways of true worship. We find in Matthew 2:1-12 different acts of true worship. 1. Sacrifice is an act of true worship (vv. 1-8): The Magi sacrificed a lot to find Jesus, the King of the Jews. They came from the East – perhaps from Persia or Southern Arabia – both of which are east of Palestine. In the pursuit of finding and worshipping Jesus, the Magi traveled around 600 miles in the desert by camel. It took almost 2 to 3 months for them to reach Bethlehem. Here we see the wise men’s anxious enquiry after Christ. They were Gentiles, and not belonging to the commonwealth of Israel. The Jews did not acknowledge Christ, but these gentiles enquired after him. Many times those who are nearest to the means are farthest from the end. We may be inside the church, but can be outside of Christ. They were scholars. They dealt in arts, magic and astrology. I wish good scholars should be good Christians, and then they complete their learning when they know Christ. What induced them to make this enquiry? They, in their country, which was in the east, had seen an extraordinary star. They took this to be an indication of an extraordinary person born in the land of Judea. Jerusalem was the Jewish capital city. Since the Magi were looking for the King of the Jews they naturally came there. Those who truly desire to know Christ will not regard pains or perils in seeking after him. Those in whose hearts the day-star is risen will make it their business to worship him. Have we seen Christ’s star? If so, let us continue to render all our glory and honor to Him and Him alone. 2. Rejoicing is an act of true worship (9-10): In their search the Magi saw the star and verse 10 says, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” They joyfully followed God’s direction. They were sure that God was with them. We should be glad of every thing that will show us the way to Christ. Ps. 105:3 says, “Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. God is pleased when we rejoice in his presence. Are we able to rejoice in the presence of God? Joy is an expression of true worship. 3. Humility is an act of true worship (vv. 11a): Here we see the wise men’s humble attendance upon this new-born King of the Jews. They saw a child, who, though he was rich, yet, for our sakes, thus became poor. These wise men were so wise to discern in this despised babe the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father. They presented themselves to Him first by falling down and worshipping him. We do not read that they gave such honor to Herod, though he was the king, but to this babe they gave this honor, not only as to a king but as to a God. All those who have found Christ fall down before him; they adore him, and submit themselves to him. Humility in life and heart is what matters when we come to worship the living God. Proud and self-sufficient people can not worship God. 4. Giving is an act of true worship (v. 11b): The wise men presented their gifts to Jesus. They presented themselves to him first and then the gifts. We shall not be unwilling to give away what is dearest to us, and most valuable, to Jesus if we first surrender ourselves to him. The gifts they presented were gold, frankincense/incense, and myrrh. God must have sent this providence for a timely relief to Joseph and Mary in their present poor condition. What do we have to give to Jesus? The wise men gave their best. Shall we be wise enough to give him the very best in the service of Christ? It can be our time, physical help, money, or anything. It is not only giving to the Lord that is considered as worship, but also giving to the poor and the needy. Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” God promises blessings to those who give. Giving is an expression of our love and care for others. Giving now assures eternal treasures in heaven. Let’s worship the Lord by giving our best. 5. Obedience is an act of true worship (v. 12): Magi obeyed God, but did not obey Herod when he asked them to come back and report to him. God warned them in a dream that they should not report back to Herod. Some think that they asked the counsel of God, and that this was the answer. God will really guide those who apply themselves to God for direction. They returned to their country by another route. They obeyed God rather than the King. Obedience is an act of true worship. It is a submission to God’s will. What is God’s will for us? It is to obey his commands and follow Him. Not only obeying God, but obeying our leaders and submitting to their authority is also an act of worship (Heb. 13:17). Conclusion: We read in John 4: 24, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” True worship is in keeping with God’s nature. Truth is associated with Christ. Let us continue to worship Christ by sacrificing our best, humbling ourselves before God, being joyful in his presence, giving our best to the Lord and obeying the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord help us worship Him in truth and spirit! |
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