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
This afternoon, I continued with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper. Today's entry focuses on the meaning of the gifts given by the wise men (Magi) to the baby Jesus - the promised Messiah. Piper makes it clear that God does not need gifts - referring to both Acts 17:25 and Deuteronomy 10:17. However, Piper does write that gifts - by definition - are an expression of the giver's "desire to show how wonderful the person is. In a sense, giving gifts to Christ [is] like fasting — going without something to show that Christ is more valuable than what you are going without." When we give to the church monetarily, or to a ministry, or otherwise give in service for glory of God, it is our way of expressing how we desire Jesus more than what we are giving. Piper of course seeks for us to treasure God more than we seek earthly treasure. Jesus, later in the Sermon on the Mount, exhorts us to seek "treasures in heaven":
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Jesus, You are an awesome God, worthy of my worship and worthy of what ever I give up in terms of talent, time, and treasure. You certainly gave Your life for me - that I could life now in abundance and for eternity - Thank You Jesus! This is the greatest gift of all time! I am not deserving of such a gift. I continue to sin...worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
