Honoring God with Everything: Lessons from the Wise Men's Gifts
The story of the wise men bringing gifts to Jesus teaches us profound lessons about true worship and honoring God with our whole lives - not just a portion. Their journey and offerings demonstrate what it means to give God our complete devotion.
Who Were the Wise Men Really?
Contrary to popular belief, the wise men didn't visit Jesus as a newborn in a manger. They found him as a toddler in a house, likely around age two. While tradition speaks of three wise men, the Bible doesn't specify their number - we only know they brought three gifts.
What Do the Three Gifts Symbolize?
Gold: Honoring Jesus as King
Gold symbolized Jesus' royalty and sovereignty. By bringing this gift, the wise men acknowledged Jesus as the King of Kings. This wasn't just a token offering - it represented complete submission to His authority.
Frankincense: Recognizing Jesus as High Priest
Used in temple worship, frankincense pointed to Jesus' role as our Great High Priest who intercedes for us before God. This gift showed they understood Jesus would bridge the gap between God and humanity.
Myrrh: Prophesying Jesus as Sacrificial Lamb
Though seemingly strange to bring an embalming spice to a child, myrrh prophetically pointed to Jesus' sacrificial death. This expensive gift (worth more than gold at the time) represented the ultimate price Jesus would pay.
How Did the Wise Men Demonstrate True Worship?
The wise men didn't just bring valuable gifts - they demonstrated complete devotion through:
Intentional preparation
Protected and reserved offerings
Physical acts of worship (bowing down)
Obedience to God's warnings
Sacrificial journey and giving
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
True worship isn't just about giving God our "first 10%" - it's about surrendering the "other 90%" of our lives too. This includes:
Our daily decisions
How we manage resources
Time and attention
Career choices
Family life
Personal ambitions
Life Application
Consider these questions this week:
Am I treating Jesus as my personal concierge or as my King?
How am I managing the "other 90%" of my life for God's glory?
What areas of my life am I holding back from full surrender?
Challenge: Choose one area of your life this week where you've been holding back from God. Make a specific plan to surrender that area to His lordship through practical actions. Remember - honoring God isn't just about Sunday worship or tithing, but about giving Him authority over every aspect of our lives.
