Young People's Group

Offering Joyful Worship to the Lord Jesus

by Mitchell Tan
February 10, 2022

FINDING A GREAT SENSE OF JOY IN THE LORD JESUS

It was the Lord God who gave a great sense of joy to the wise men as they sought for the Lord Jesus. They had been led by the star in the East to look for the King of the Jews and to worship Him. They were also guided by the Scriptures that the birthplace of the Christ would be in Bethlehem. When they saw the star as they went to this small town, they found an overwhelming sense of joy.

“And behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”
Matthew 2:9-10

1. THE WORD OF THE LORD WAS CONFIRMED IN THEIR HEARTS

When the wise men followed the Scriptures, they were able to see the star once again. They must have lost sight of it when they unwisely went to Jerusalem. The word “behold” is a call for the readers to give attention with regards to this star. This extraordinary star could move in front of the wise men and lead them. And now, it had again gone ahead of them and stood directly where the Christ Child was. When they saw the star over Bethlehem, the Scriptures, the star, and the Child Jesus were all aligned at that one place. Everything just came together. The word of God was truly confirmed in their hearts.

2. THE LORD CREATING AN EXCEEDINGLY GREAT JOY IN THE HEART

It was seeing the Christ Child in person that brought about this special sense of joy. It was also through the Lord’s grace that there came this exceedingly great joy in their heart. The use of the adjective “great” was already describing a lot of joy. Matthew added the adverb “exceedingly” to show how this joy was way beyond just great. It was so great that it was inexpressible. This would be in line with what Peter wrote in his epistle. Peter challenged his readers that even though they do not see the Lord Jesus, they can still love Him and believe in Him. They can rejoice with a joy that is truly indescribable and glorious (1 Peter 1:8). Only a God of glory can give such joy.

RESPONSES OF JOY TO THE LORD JESUS AS KING

“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11

1. JOYFUL GIVING OF HUMBLE WORSHIP

These wise men finally found the Child Jesus. When they came into the house, they were able to see the Lord Jesus for who He is. They immediately prostrated themselves humbly before the Lord Jesus. They joyfully worshipped Him.

2. JOYFUL GIVING OF MEANINGFUL OFFERINGS

It was out of their treasures that they joyfully gave gifts that were precious and special. The offering of gold was to indicate His Kingship. This was an offering worthy of a King. The offering of frankincense was meant to give worship to a divine King. Frankincense was normally used as part of the incense burnt in worship to God. It was a costly ingredient used in worship. The offering of myrrh was meant to signify burial. Myrrh was one of the ingredients used for burial. It represented the salvation that Christ would give through His death. These were most significant and meaningful gifts given to the Lord Jesus in worship.

We too can offer joyful worship to the Lord. Let’s exercise faith in the Lord’s word and may it be confirmed in our hearts again and again. Let’s find a great sense of joy in Him and worship Him with humility and thanksgiving. Let’s seek to give our offerings to Him with meaning and joy.

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