Kevin Bennie
Dec 30, 2023 10:31 AM
ππ₯ FULL DEVO BELOWπ₯π It seems appropriate that we turn our focus to Christ! Previous two days we discussed - "23 Search me, God, and know my heart; - test me and know my anxious thoughts. - 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, - and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24 - Prayer of recollection to affirm your true identity in Christ. He ought to be the most precious possession and the definer of our true identity. The magi came "from the east". Many believe they would have been familiar with Jewish prophecies from the exile in Babylon. If they came from modern day Iran, simply from the border, it is a 16 hour car ride! The ESV study Bible has them coming from Babylon, at 20 miles per day, it would take 40 days! These men spent a lot of money on this trip, along with their attendants and servants, a caravan to and from Israel would be a significant undertaking. But they had the Messiah, the King, the promised one , in their sights! (see ESV study Bible note Matt 2:2) They didn't let anything get in their way. I love their first response 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Their response to Jesus was first and foremost reverent, humble, worship. These men bowed to the ground and worshiped a child! A poor child, born in the back alleys of Jerusalem. At great cost to their own livelihood and pocketbooks. Can we do the same, as we step into this new year? Can we lay down all of our talent, treasure, and time at the feet of Jesus in worship? No matter the journey that we've been on, how difficult or what we've been through, I encourage you to take a humble posture of worship Christ while we step into this New Year. God bless friends.