December 29, 2023: What Treasure Will You Bring?

What Treasure Will You Bring?

---

“After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:11

---

God is invested in the details. It's something we comment on often. We acknowledge it as true. But I would guess however that we don't pay as much attention to detail in Scripture. If God cares about the details, shouldn't we?

The Magi brought treasure. I love the wording and think it's an excellent reminder to bring my treasure to the Lord. It's not just monetary, it's anything I treasure: time, talent, relationships.

I've read quite a bit about what the gifts brought to Jesus.

Gold was brought.  Gold acknowledges Jesus’ Kingship, His deity, and royalty. They condone this belief when they ask king Herod where they can find the one born King of the Jews.

Frankincense was burned as incense in the tabernacle in the Holy of Holies. It was done so the priest could go before the Lord and purify. Melchizedek was both King and priest. Inherently priests came from Levite lineage and Kings from the lineage of Judah. It says this about Jesus:

---

“For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”“

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

---

Jesus is both King and priest, He is the mediator who goes before God for us. He makes a way for us.

Myrrh suggests Jesus’ humanity. Jesus fully God and fully man. Myrrh brought to suggest Jesus’ suffering and death and brought in advance for His embalmment.

Perhaps, the treasure you bring isn't gold, frankincense, or myrrh, but I encourage you to bring your treasure just the same.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for being my God, King, and Priest. Thank you for all of the details. You are so thoughtful and careful with every factor and ingredient. Help me to pay attention to the details that You so thoughtfully share. In Jesus’ name, Amen!