They Bowed Down and Worshiped Him

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr. 

Read Matthew 2:9-11

    Upon seeing the new-born Messiah, the immediate impulse of the magi was to worship Him (11). What does it mean to worship? Any common dictionary would tell us that it is the act of offering respect, reverence, love and devotion to a god or deity. Matthew, the writer of this gospel book, mentioned the worship of the magi to imply that they believed Jesus was God. Otherwise they would have been idolaters. There are instances in the Bible stories when some attempted to worship people and angels but they were forbidden to do so (Acts 10:25-26; 14:11-15; Rev. 19:10; 22:8-9). But the magi were allowed to worship Jesus, an acknowledgement of His deity. Jesus is not just a good person, a teacher and a prophet of God. He is God Himself.  

      As a tangible expression of their worship they offered their gifts to Jesus: gold, incense and myrrh (11). From the Old Testament times worship always included offerings and sacrifices. This was God’s mandate. The Psalmist says, “Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar” (Ps. 51:19). In the New Testament Paul says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship” (Rom. 12:1). When we come to worship we are also given the opportunity to give our offerings. We do not give these to buy God’s favor. He already loves us unconditionally. Rather we give these to express our love and gratitude for the blessings God has already bestowed on us. Some ask, what if I do not have money or offering to give? Could I not come to worship? Of course, you come. God knows what you have because all come from Him. You may give your time, talent, witness by example, loving service to others in need, etc. if these are what you have. These are living sacrifices of worship, according to Paul as cited above.

      But worship is deeper than our gifts and offerings. It is the giving of our total selves to God in love, devotion, trust and obedience. This is the secret of the spontaneous generous giving and service of the Macedonian Christians. As Paul says, “- - they gave themselves first to the Lord - -“ (2 Cor. 8:5). After one has truly surrendered his entire life to God, giving and service in any way will no longer be a hard issue. It will just spontaneously follow.

      If we follow the definition of worship given above worship is not just our act when we go to church on Sundays. It should be a moment by moment attitude of giving God glory and honor in everything we think, say and do. It is a day-by-day life.

Prayer: 

     Lord, you are our awesome and great God. We want to worship and adore you unceasingly, not only with our mouth, but with our entire being. For the sake of your Son and for your glory we pray. Amen.