Matthew 2:11b - 11b Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Reflection: This was a fulfillment of prophecy, “May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts.” Psalm 72:10. These wise men or kings came from a great distance to pay tribute to the one they believed to be the King of the Jews with their precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. When they entered in they saw Mary with Jesus and knelt down before Him and presented their gifts out of love and respect for Jesus. Now, do we have gold, frankincense and myrrh? Maybe some have some gold coins, but frankincense and myrrh, I doubt it. What do we have to present to Jesus that would compare to what these kings presented?
2 Cor. 4:7 tells us that “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” The treasure we have is the Gospel. The Gospel of light and grace is put in us, jars of clay, and though weak and frail we might be, this only further demonstrates the all-surpassing power of the Gospel. This happened at the moment we first believed. We each possess this treasure. And how do we present this treasure?
I believe it is through living generously in every setting and circumstance. Which means extending grace and seeking to understand. It means letting go of expectations and initiating acceptance. It means letting the Holy Spirit do His job, and loving unconditionally---even when I wish someone had made a different choice. This is loving Jesus---giving out of our treasure within, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Al Costlow
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the unsurpassed treasure You have placed in my heart, the gospel of grace and mercy. May I demonstrate my love for You by giving it away at every opportunity, freely and generously. Holy Spirit have Your way in me. In Jesus’ name… Amen.
Reflection: This was a fulfillment of prophecy, “May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts.” Psalm 72:10. These wise men or kings came from a great distance to pay tribute to the one they believed to be the King of the Jews with their precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. When they entered in they saw Mary with Jesus and knelt down before Him and presented their gifts out of love and respect for Jesus. Now, do we have gold, frankincense and myrrh? Maybe some have some gold coins, but frankincense and myrrh, I doubt it. What do we have to present to Jesus that would compare to what these kings presented?
2 Cor. 4:7 tells us that “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” The treasure we have is the Gospel. The Gospel of light and grace is put in us, jars of clay, and though weak and frail we might be, this only further demonstrates the all-surpassing power of the Gospel. This happened at the moment we first believed. We each possess this treasure. And how do we present this treasure?
I believe it is through living generously in every setting and circumstance. Which means extending grace and seeking to understand. It means letting go of expectations and initiating acceptance. It means letting the Holy Spirit do His job, and loving unconditionally---even when I wish someone had made a different choice. This is loving Jesus---giving out of our treasure within, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Al Costlow
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the unsurpassed treasure You have placed in my heart, the gospel of grace and mercy. May I demonstrate my love for You by giving it away at every opportunity, freely and generously. Holy Spirit have Your way in me. In Jesus’ name… Amen.