Austen Ukachi, Senior Pastor He’s Alive Chapel
Matthew 2 is the account of events that happened after Jesus was born, perhaps few months or more after his birth. In verse 2 of this passage, the wise men asked: “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him.”
If men they came all the way from the East to Bethlehem to look for and worship the baby Jesus, then we should come from every corner of the globe to worship the man Jesus.
TWO KINDS OF WORSHIPERS
The Wise Men or Magi recognized that a king was born and came to worship him. Their desire to worship Jesus was genuine.
While Herod, the ruthless ruler who killed many people in order to retain power was threatened. He asked them to go and make inquiries about the new born king, so that he would also would go and worship him. However, his intentions were sinister (Matthew 2:3).
This contrast between the Wise Men and Herod represents two kinds of worshipers in the church: there are the genuine or true worshipers and there are false and insincere worshipers. In all our churches and congregation there are these two kinds of worshipers. The question is: which kind of worshiper are you. Why do you come to church?
The story in our text also shows something else about worship:
- Worship belongs to the King alone. Jesus was born a king (John 18:37; 19:17-21);
- Worship must be intentional, the Magi went to Jerusalem with a purpose, just to worship the king;
- Worship must be of clear motive.
Christmas is a time for worship! But if we may ask what is worship? Worship is recognizing the King. It is honoring the King of kings; it is giving our best and our whole life to the King. The Wise Men fell down and worshiped Jesus, presenting him with many gifts. Their example shows that worship involves honoring the king, posturing in humility before him and giving of gifts as an act of appreciation, honor and thanksgiving.
Worship is one of the highest gifts we can give to our King JESUS in this season. But we must give the kind of worship that is acceptable and genuine. Three things that can make our worship meaningful are:
- Our intention or motives;
- Our posture- it must be in humility;
- Our gifts, we should give to God according to our ability, not to show off.
May God help each one of us to worship God with the best intentions and motives this Christmas season.
