Tuesday, December 15, 2015

The Four Kings of Christmas (Magi) (Part 2) (Mt. 2:1-12)

FIRST, NOTICE THREE THINGS THE MAGI DID CORRECTLY.
  • THE MAGI NOTICED THE STAR'S RISING AND INVESTIGATED ITS MEANING (Mt. 2:2).
    • The star's rising must have meant something. Their conclusion was that a King had been born.
  • THE MAGI REALIZED THAT THIS NEWBORN KING DESERVED WORSHIP (Mt. 2:2).
    • Their worship would be expressed in several ways.
      • They would worship Him through initiative.  They determined to go and see this King for themselves. They didn't send a delegation, didn't send a registered letter with an attached survey, and didn't send an e-mail, text or Snapchat.
      • They would worship Him through inconvenience. They traveled an inconvenient distance over uncomfortable terrain; they left behind familiarity, preference, and comfort; they requested leave from their king.
      • They would worship Him through insight.
        • Insight #1 > Preparation > The correct way to worship this King is by rejoicing when you anticipate meeting Him (Mt. 2:10; Psa. 100:1-2).
        • Insight #2 > Place > The correct way to worship this King is by entering into where He is (Mt. 2:11; Psa. 100:4).
        • Insight #3 > Posture > The correct way to worship this King is by bowing down (Mt. 2:11; Psa. 72:11; 95:6).  Bow physically (kneeling) and internally (humility).
        • Insight #4 > Presents > The correct way to worship this King is by offering gifts that are worthy (Mt. 2:11; 1 Chron. 21:24).
  • THE MAGI WERE WILLING TO BE LED BY GOD.
    • There were three things God used to lead the magi.
      • God used a star to lead the magi (Mt. 2:1-2,9-10; Psa. 19:1).
      • God used a politician to lead the magi (Mt. 2:8a).
      • God used a dream to lead the magi (Mt. 2:11).
    • It is never that God isn't speaking and doesn't want to direct us, only that we are not listening.

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