Matthew 2:11
…they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Concerning the Queen of Sheba, she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. It was an Eastern custom to present great gifts to show honor and respect for a person of royalty. These wise men brought before the newborn King the most rare, precious and expensive gifts. They presented gold, frankincense, myrrh and themselves as the most precious gifts they possessed. This was their worship. Behold, one greater than Solomon is here.
These precious gifts were among the wise men's private treasures. They were costly tokens gathered from life's journeys through personal experience. Gold, frankincense and myrrh were used as commodities for wealth, but today they symbolize something much, much greater.
The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Gold has the uncanny ability to endure the test of time and survive the extreme heat from the fires of life. This is most priceless. It is better for us to be likened unto gold with its qualities rather than to obtain gold for its riches. The struggles of life make our faith stronger and it purifies us as gold tried in the fire.
Slashing the bark of a Boswellia tree causes its exudate to bleed. Once hardened, its resin is what we know as frankincense. Frankincense is used as incense for worship and reverence before God; And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints. It is easy to pray for someone that we care for and love. However, when we genuinely pray for our enemies that hate us and despitefully use and persecute us, it produces a sweet smelling perfume before the Lord.
Like frankincense, myrrh is produced in the same manner, however it comes form the Commiphora myrrha tree. Just like the Boswellia tree, its bark may be unintentionally or purposefully wounded so its precious resin can be harvested. Myrrh comes from the root word, bitter. This precious ointment is used for its healing and preserving properties; it is known to alleviate pain and used as an embalming agent. Myrrh was also a principal ingredient in the holy anointing oil. Jesus said unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Jesus said, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Embracing the will of the Father no matter how difficult it may be releases the incense of myrrh as a form of worship.
The wise men presented the most precious gifts they owned in their life's journey, their faith. No matter what struggles life brought against them, they stood fast in their faith. Above their personal agenda they kept and honored His Word. It is not easy to die to self or carry a cross knowing that in the end you will be crucified on it. Paul said, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Submissive, surrendered and with a heart full of worship, they embraced the cross and bowed their knees knowing that this would please the Father. Not a word was spoken, however their actions said it all. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Yes, wise men still seek Him and wise men still find Him. Be encouraged, you that seek Him for you shall find Him when you search for Him with all of your heart.
1 Kings 10:2, 1 Peter 1:7, Rev 8:3, Mat 16:24, Luke 22:42, Rom 12:1, Rev 4:11
KJV
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