Dear Church,

As we heard yesterday, Matthew 1:11 tells us what the wise Men did when they came to the house where Jesus was: “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell and worshiped him.”

The wise men did not stumble into worship by accident. They sought Jesus, and when they found Him, they worshiped Him, even at great personal cost.  What is the wisdom we learn from the Wise Men?

They were not content to admire the star from a distance. They acted on what they saw. Revelation always demanded a response. They got up, packed up, and followed. Then, they persevered in the search. Imagine the long roads they travelled, the cost involved in making an international trip on such short notice, yet they kept moving.  True seekers don’t quit when the journey gets hard.  They were not discouraged by confused or indifferent religious leaders.  Clergy had information, but no movement.  When they arrived where the star led them, they entered.  They didn’t stand outside analyzing.  And when they entered, they “fell down” and worshiped. They respond with embodied worship, their bodies preaching what their mouths confess, that’s worship!

Think about this for a moment, church, before Jesus ever preached a sermon. Before he performed a miracle.  Before the cross…They fell and worshiped. Their posture declared what their theology already knew:  This child is worthy of worship.  Finally, their worship was costly and concrete. They did not come empty-handed.  Worship expressed itself through generous giving.

Spurgeon captured the pattern beautifully: “Those who look for Jesus will see Him; those who truly see Him will worship Him; those who worship Him will consecrate their substance to Him.”  Don’t just admire the signs of God’s work.  Follow. Persevere.  Enter in. Worship now.  And let worship cost you something.

Hope to see y’all at 5:30 pm for the Christmas Eve Worship, invite a friend!

Be Encouraged, 
Mathews