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. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
I find it interesting that God granted these men such incredible wisdom that they knew how to watch the stars and determine where Jesus would be born. And he did this to grow their faith, for sure. But also to bless Mary and Joseph with some great gifts. Gold is a gift fit for a king. Frankincense was used as incense in the temple. Myrrh was used as an anointing oil for a king. So they anointed him as a king, worshipped him as God in the flesh, and gave him gold, the gift of royalty.
These gifts were also very practical to a poor, young family. They were expensive precious metal and spices/ointments. They could be sold for money. This would likely come in handy soon.
How incredible this is! God called Joseph and Mary to raise his son, they had to travel about 100 miles to Jerusalem for the census. And they were poor. How would they provide for this new young one? He could have made Joseph highly successful in business or have someone they knew give them money while they were traveling. However, he made them wait a while and then he blew their minds. All of the sudden, in comes the wise men (likely many as they traveled in groups) and they showered this young family with precious gifts. Talk about an incredible baby shower!
And isn’t that how God operates many times? He makes us wait, many times past our comfort zones, and then he blows us away with how he provides.
Over the last year and a half, with limited income, my wife Cherish and I have seen this happen time and again. Most recently, with some large gifts for TruthBursts to help us get a new website built and pay for ongoing costs. Also, with some great gifts for our Back the Blue ministry. And his provisions come in ways we don’t always expect.
Lord, thank you for being faithful to provide as we obey you and serve in your name. You did this for Mary and Joseph and you will do it for me too. Praise you, Lord!
