Friday, December 6, 2013

“What kind of Worshipper are You?”

  Over the past week or so, I’ve been prompted by God to read through the Christmas stories recorded in the Bible.  Specifically, I’ve done so with and eye towards servanthood and worship.  It’s been very inspiring! This Sunday, I’m planning to talk about worship from the perspective of the Magi or the Wise Men from the East.  We read their story in Matthew 2:1-12.  I realize their visit to Bethlehem probably took place a year or two after Christ’s birth but their worshipping quest is so connected to the Christmas story that I believe it’s perfectly alright to consider their story during this season. In preparation for Sunday, read Matthew’s account below and as you do, look for clues as to the type or worshippers these Wise Men were as they set out to follow Bethlehem’s Star. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”  7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. I wonder – does my worship compare to theirs?  Is my worship as passionate, as selfless, as focused and as pure as theirs?  Those were some of the questions I was asking myself as I read their familiar story. I’m looking forward to worshipping with you this coming Sunday and with God’s help, I’m coming to church prepared to enter God’s presence and give Him all He is due! pastor jamie PLEASE NOTE:

• For those signed up for the Adult Christmas Dinner don’t forget we start at 5:30 PM this Saturday night here at the church.
• For those interested in singing in this year’s Christmas Choir, remember we have a rehearsal right after church this coming Sunday.