Gold I bring to crown Him again
King for ever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone, cold tomb
“As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back by another route to their own country.” –Matthew 2:12
Let us first note that these men, however many, were foreigners from the east. The message of Christ was for “all peoples” (Luke 2:10), His salvation even for the Gentiles (Luke 2:30-32), not just the Jewish nation only (John 11:52). Let this grafting of God humble us (Rom 11:17-22), and may we praise Him for including us into His cherished fold (John 10:16). Those who were “far off” have now been “brought near” (Eph 2:13).
Second, they were “magi” or “wise men,” learned men who studied the nighty sky. Some suggest they were simply pagan astrologers, but let us differentiate between the worship of stars (idolatry) and seeking them to direct our lives (divination) and simply recognizing that God Himself created the heavens and orchestrates their patterns and movements to communicate signs and wonders (Gen 1:14; Psa 147:4; Job 9:9; 26:13; 38:31; Amos 5:8). Besides, for these men to be looking for “a star” that would “march forth out of Jacob” signifying the king to “rise out of Israel” (Num 24:17), these men had to have been influenced and educated by men of the Scriptures, perhaps from the school of Daniel (Dan 2:48; 9:25). Nonetheless, even though the bulk of God’s chosen are ordinary and uneducated (Acts 4:13), using what is weak to shame the wise (1Co 1:27-28), God still has mercy on some who “were born to a privileged position” (1Co 1:26). Praise be to God that He still infiltrates ivory towers and overcomes educational pride.
Third, these men were obviously wealthy to give such lavish gifts. For even though wealth is a hindrance to salvation (Mark 10:25), a burden and a distraction from living by faith (1Ti 6:9-10), “all things are possible for God” (Mark 10:27). Jesus can save even the rich, even us, and guide us to relinquish fistfuls of earthly trinkets for His sake (Luke 14:33), to grab hold of true Life and store up heavenly riches (1Ti 6:17-19).
So whatever your position, whatever the circumstances of your call, Give thanks to God for revealing His Son to you. “He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus” (1Co 1:30). Shout with joy for every “star” that He has placed to point the way. Make haste to give praise to the majesty of God coming to man. Fall down at His feet with all your riches. He is worth all and more. For once your eyes lay hold of His glory, you cannot help but return home by another Way (John 14:6) with a lighter load (Mat 11:30).
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice!
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia
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