READING: 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18, Matthew 2
I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures, perhaps on a Christmas card. Maybe you’ve seen someone act out the story, kneeling before the child Jesus. Scholars debate the details of the story of the magi in Matthew 2, but twice the text says they focused on worshiping Jesus (Matt 2:2, 11). Whenever they arrived at the place Jesus and His family were staying, they fell to their knees and worshiped Him. Even if they didn’t fully understand who Jesus was, they did illustrate for us what ought to be our response to the Son of God:
Kneeling, knowing He is the king:
- Lowering our position as a sign that He has authority over us.
- Laying aside our training, expertise, and position because nothing we can offer compares to Him.
- Bowing before Him because of who He is, without regard for others around.
- Taking the form of a servant before the One who was in the process of doing the same.
And worshiping, recognizing that He is worthy of our praise:
- Giving Him the gift of ourselves and riches fit for a ruler.
- Knowing that even as a baby, He was in charge.
- Sacrificing time, possessions, and energy to turn our attention to Him.
Kneel and worship. That’s the right move before Jesus. May we genuinely honor Him today.
PRAYER: “Lord Jesus, I kneel before You and worship You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Chronicles 19-20, 2 Kings 1, Psalm 20, Matthew 3