Four Weeks of ADVENT
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Four Weeks of ADVENT
Day 20 | THE THREE GIFTS | Matthew 2:10-11
Four Weeks of ADVENT
Day 20 | THE THREE GIFTS | Matthew 2:10-11
THE THREE GIFTS
Matthew 2:10-11
“When they (the Wise Men) saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (NAS)
Gold is a precious metal and is a valuable commodity. The wise men would not have known – but God did – that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus would be leaving soon for exile in Egypt. This gold could have financed their entire trip there and back. Also mentioned in the Bible is that gold is a symbol of divinity, undoubtedly appropriate here.
Frankincense is a white resin made from slicing tree bark and allowing the gum to flow out. It was highly fragrant and often used in worship services and sacrifices in the Old Testament.
Frankincense is also a sign of holiness and righteousness, and sacrifice. This gift was somewhat prophetic, as we know the Christ would eventually become a sacrifice for all.
Finally, Myrrh was another product from trees, much like Frankincense. However, it was a spice and used in embalming. It was occasionally mixed with wine to form a drink like that given to Jesus on the cross as a stupefying potion – sometimes called “gall.” Myrrh signified suffering, affliction, and bitterness. Knowing – as we do – what was ahead for Jesus as he grew, began His ministry, and then died on the cross, this gift was prophetic.
Whether the wise men knew this about all of these gifts is unknown. However, it is clear that they were led to SEARCH for Jesus, be persistent, and then give these gifts to the King of Kings.
Prayer: LORD, it is incredible how YOU took care of all the details in the magi coming, finding, and worshipping Jesus. May we all be as determined to KNOW HIM better and, in doing so, become more and more like Jesus. Amen.
Matthew 2:10-11
“When they (the Wise Men) saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (NAS)
Gold is a precious metal and is a valuable commodity. The wise men would not have known – but God did – that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus would be leaving soon for exile in Egypt. This gold could have financed their entire trip there and back. Also mentioned in the Bible is that gold is a symbol of divinity, undoubtedly appropriate here.
Frankincense is a white resin made from slicing tree bark and allowing the gum to flow out. It was highly fragrant and often used in worship services and sacrifices in the Old Testament.
Frankincense is also a sign of holiness and righteousness, and sacrifice. This gift was somewhat prophetic, as we know the Christ would eventually become a sacrifice for all.
Finally, Myrrh was another product from trees, much like Frankincense. However, it was a spice and used in embalming. It was occasionally mixed with wine to form a drink like that given to Jesus on the cross as a stupefying potion – sometimes called “gall.” Myrrh signified suffering, affliction, and bitterness. Knowing – as we do – what was ahead for Jesus as he grew, began His ministry, and then died on the cross, this gift was prophetic.
Whether the wise men knew this about all of these gifts is unknown. However, it is clear that they were led to SEARCH for Jesus, be persistent, and then give these gifts to the King of Kings.
Prayer: LORD, it is incredible how YOU took care of all the details in the magi coming, finding, and worshipping Jesus. May we all be as determined to KNOW HIM better and, in doing so, become more and more like Jesus. Amen.
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