WORSHIP WORKS WONDERS

After Christmas we remember how the wise men worshipped Jesus by presenting Him with three gifts. 

GOLD  This is frequently associated with kings.  For example in the reign of King Solomon there was so much gold that, “Silver became as common as stones in Jerusalem.” [ 1 Kings 10:27 ]  Because Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords [ Revelation 19:16 ], we should crown Him as our King and obey Him.  Even King David said, “Shall I offer to the Lord that which costs me nothing?”  [ 2 Samuel 24:24 ]  It’s true that, “A faith which costs us nothing is worth nothing!” 

FRANKINCENSE  In Old Testament days incense was burnt on altars to represent prayers and praises ascending to God.  Today the New Testament says, “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”  [ Hebrews 13:15 ]  Singing good hymns can help us to worship God.

MYRRH  When an incision is made in a certain South Arabian shrub, a fragrant gum oozes from the wound like tears.  People still sprinkle myrrh on themselves so that others can enjoy its beautiful aromatic fragrance.  In contrast with incense that goes upward, the fragrance of myrrh represents our love, kindness and empathy reaching outwards to others.  Myrrh mingled with wine was offered to Jesus on the cross as a pain killer, but He refused it. [ Mark 15:23 ]  Myrrh was sometimes mingled with aloes which exudes bitter juice from its sword shaped leaves.  This mixture was bound in strips of linen cloth around the body of Jesus.  The tears of myrrh and the sword shaped leaves remind us of the prophetic words of Simeon to Mary, “A sword will pierce through your own soul…”  [ Luke 2:35 ]  But the fragrance of the Myrrh will triumph over death and usher in the resurrection!