The Magi came seeking the Messiah, and bringing with them, gifts…but very special gifts. These gifts were expensive luxuries of the day…fit for royal presents. But beyond that, they were also very symbolic in their meanings. The burning of frankincense symbolized prayers rising to heaven like the fragrant smoke it gave off… the prayers of Jesus interceding for us at the right hand of the Father. The myrrh was used for burials and symbolized death…Jesus’s death on the Cross for us. Finally, the gold was given to symbolize His royal status…and also for the very practical reason – His parents would soon need finances as they escaped to Egypt to flee from King Herod.
Tag: our faith and trust in Jesus
Matthew 2: 4-5 ” When he had called together all the people’s Chief Priests and Teachers of the Law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea.’ they replied…”
When King Herod needed information, he went to the source. That’s why he called in the most intelligent and learned Jewish historians of the day…who in turn quoted the Prophet Micah as to the birth place of the Messiah. But we also have that same source today at our disposal, for the future has been foretold to us. And in Revelation 22:20 it is made quite plain…”Yes, I am coming soon.”
Micah 5:2 ” But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Even 700 years later, this prophecy written by Micah was still revered as the telling where Jesus Christ would be born. The Messiah would be born in a humble place, in very humble circumstances, amongst humble people…people like you and me.
Luke 1: 26-27 ” In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”
The fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy came to pass in the small town of Nazareth…to a young girl named Mary. This miraculous conception was wonderfully accomplished by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. A tiny baby born of man, but born also of God…perfectly holy, yet sharing in our humanity.
Malachi 3:1 ” See, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me.”
Malachi was speaking of the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. The forerunner, John the Baptist, came preaching a very simple sermon…Repent! His message from the start was that someone much more important than he was soon coming, and everyone should ready themselves. John’s words ring true even today…Repent! For the time is short. Change your ways, for the King is coming!
Galatians 5:24 ” Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.”
We are no longer slaves to sin…we have put to death the flesh with all its lusts and cravings through our faith and trust in Jesus. Our corrupt nature has been nailed to the Cross… once, for all…and we’re set free.
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