055 The Gift
We don’t know a lot about the Magi. They were from the East, probably ancient Persia. And they apparently had education, wealth, and status.
They had read the ancient writings of Israel about the arrival of a great king. And when they saw a unique sign in the heavens, they were motivated enough to go looking for him.
They spent a lot of time, effort, and money on this journey. Why? Because they were looking for something beyond the wealth, education, and power they already possessed.
And when they came to the place where the baby lay, they knew they’d found what they’d been looking for. They knew they’d found not simply a king but the King – one whose arrival would change everything.
And they bowed down and worshiped.
The next day they headed for home after having been warned in a dream not to return to the wicked King Herod. The text says that they went back home “a different way.” I know that means they took another route, one that would shield them from Herod’s scouts.
However, I like to think that their going back home a different way means that they were different. They were different because of the gift they’d found in Jesus.
This is the Good News of Christmas. God gave His Son (the ultimate gift)… that whosoever (no exclusions, no exceptions)… believes (puts their trust in Him)… will have eternal life.
Eternal life – everlasting life that goes on after this one is over. But it’s more than about duration. Everlasting life is about quality of life. Abundant life.
All is this possible because Jesus gave His life to pay the penalty for our sins.
I wonder where this holiday season finds you. Maybe you’re totally happy. Everything in your life is great. Your body is healthy. Your marriage is thriving. Your kids are terrific. Your job is pure joy.
Or maybe not.
Maybe this Christmas is hard for you. Disappointments are many. Discouragement is real. Things look so bleak.
And yet the gift of eternal life is offered to you today.
Having received the gift of Jesus, the Magi gave gifts.
Years later, Jesus would speak to this idea of reciprocity to His disciples.
“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
What did you receive from God when you were given eternal life? Did you receive…
Forgiveness
Kindness
Reconciliation
Joy
Grace
Love
Yes! But what if more than simply offering our thanksgiving, we would display “thanks living”?
So if Jesus says, as you’ve freely received, freely give…what might that look like?
You’ve been forgiven – who do you need to forgive?
You’ve been offered kindness – who might you offer kindness to?
You’ve been reconciled – who might you seek to reconcile with?
You’ve discovered joy – who might you bring joy to?
You’ve been shown grace – who could you show it to?
You’ve been loved – who can you demonstrate that to?
Maybe the place to start is to ask a simple question, “Lord, where would you have me be the gift?
If you’d like to know more about how you can begin a relationship with Christ, send Dave an email at dave@davedeselmministries.org.
Text: Matthew 2:1-12; 10:8
Originally recorded December 24, 2014, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.