Day 3 – Offerings
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:10-11
When faith is made sight, joy is a direct result, great joy. Much speculation surrounds the significance of the gifts given. It was customary to present gifts when greeting a king to show honor. By giving gifts, these wise men were declaring that they believed the prophecies were true and had been fulfilled. Their journey had ended, and they had met their Savior.
We know they carried these offerings a long way and for a long time. I have traveled enough with my kids to know that you don’t bring things that aren’t intentional or valuable. So, although we speculate about the meaning of the gift, we don’t need to speculate about its value. They carried these gifts through the desert, across borders, across cultures, and gave them freely when they met Jesus.
I believe that God has gifted all of us in different ways and that we carry these gifts with us. I also believe that our greatest honor is to give these gifts back to Him as an act of worship. That He would be honored by the very gifts that He has given.
Inward: Immanuel, what do you want me to know? Show me what I carry to you? Teach me how to use the gifts you have given for your glory.
Outward: Immanuel, what do you want me to do? What is something you are calling me to give?
