MARVELOUS KING*

SCRIPTURE

Second Sunday of Christmas
Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.


DEVOTION

Today I am so in love with the Christian church and the liturgical tradition. Whilst the entire world has packed away their Christmas decorations, turned off their carols, and ceased their endless sales, the Christian church continues the celebration of the birth of Jesus!

This week we “see” Christmas through the eyes of the people we call The Wise Men. I love the fact that The Wise Men were so attentive to the things of God. When Spirit moved and there was a change in the Earth, these wise folks took note of it. When God gave them a sign that it was time to worship and bow down, they did so without hesitation, making haste (to the best of their ability), to come greet the new born king.

These folks must have been true worshipers and I believe that we can all learn from their example today!

What I have learned is that a true worshiper always brings a gift to Jesus. In the case of The Wise Men they brought themselves and gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In our case, we can bring ourselves, as well as the gifts of our time, talent, and treasure to the Lord as we make haste to worship and bow down before our Jesus!

Indeed, Jesus is a Marvelous King! No matter whom we are, where we are from, or what we have been through God is still leading willing people to a place of worship! Even in 2010, we are still called to pay homage to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.


Will you worship and bow down today? If so, please pray with me:

Holy One, thank you that God has led me to you so that I may worship you with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Indeed you are a Marvelous King! Thank you for loving me so much that you died on the cross for me and rose again on the third day in order to forgive my sin and gift me with eternal life. Today, I confess that I am totally in love with you. Please help me to share our love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, today, you are saved! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

I would be honored if you would let me know about your decision today by clicking "YES" in the poll located in the upper-right hand corner of the good news blog in answer to the question, "Did God save you today?"

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!



MUSIC MINISTRY

*Music comes to us today from Mr. Eric Lige. He wrote "Marvelous King" and offered it as music ministry at Saddleback Church in Lake Forrest, California on Sunday, December 27, 2009. I am proud to feature this talented and upcoming young musician and I encourage you to purchase his CD entitled "Surrender" ($15, free shipping) at www.ericlige.com Please don't forget to pray that God will increase his territory in the days ahead!