TWC – The Word Connects: Connecting you to God and to one another …
Saturday 13 December 2014
Some days after Jesus was born, during the reign of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem to worship Jesus. This is most interesting because these wise men were likely Persian priests who worshipped Persian gods. They were also known as “worshippers of fire”. Yet, when they heard about the birth of the king of the Jews, they travelled a long distance to Jerusalem to worship Jesus! I suppose somehow they knew that this new born King of the Jews should be worshipped because they saw a sign, a very significant sign – a star that rose in the sky. But how was it that they would make such a conclusion? It was probably because of the prophecy of Balaam in Nu.24:17-19.
17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth. 18 Edom will be conquered; Seir, his enemy, will be conquered, but Israel will grow strong. 19 A ruler will come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.” (Nu.24:17-19)
The Magi recognised that Jesus was the Messiah and they decided that He was worthy of their worship. Christmas should remind us of the same – that Jesus the Messiah (Saviour) is worthy of our worship. And not only to worship Him out of convenience but even when it is inconvenient, troublesome and difficult to do so. There are Christians today who certainly only worship the Lord when it is convenient, almost as if they worship only when they have no other plans or programmes going on. If their kids are having exams on Monday, they won’t go to church on Sunday. With the slightest reason or excuse, they skip prayer meetings, cell meetings, etc. I’m not saying that we have to attend every Sunday service, every prayer meeting and every cell meeting. I understand that there are times that it is not possible to do so for a variety of reasons and that is alright. But the moment anything to do with God and church becomes only something we do when it is convenient, the moment God, His church and His work become second place and something we only do in our spare time, then something has gone very wrong with our view of the Christian faith and our commitment to it. Faith produces works and if faith does not produce works, that faith is defective and does not save us. As you walk with God today, walk in true faith, be a true believer and follower of Christ. Don’t call yourself a Christian and live like an atheist. May the Lord inspire you this Christmas to worship Him more sacrificially as you consider the wise men from the East who made some serious effort to come and worship Jesus. Have a great day!
Today’s Bible text: 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Mt.2:1-2)
Pastor Barnabas Chong
Aldersgate Methodist Church
revbarnz@gmail.com
Today’s recommended video: O Come Let Us Adore Him … Click here for direct YouTube link
twcdaily.com 