April 09, 2019

BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 2

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were 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 unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

“They…fell down, and worshipped Him”
We all have heard stories and sermons about the wisemen in the Christmas account. There are numerous outlines, applications, and lessons for us to learn from every piece of information given to us. Today, I would like for us to notice just one small phrase. “They…. fell down.”

I certainly understand that we are to humble ourselves and the side of the Lord. I do understand that these Wiseman knew who Jesus was, and acted in submission and respect. But I was a little bit surprised to understand what the words “fell down” really meant. These two English words come from one Greek word. It is the word “pipto”. It literally means to fall, or to fail. That carries the meaning that when these wise men walked into the presence of the very Son of God, their physical strength failed. They were in such awe, that their bodies literally gave out. This was no act, or false admiration, or predecided protocol. it meant so much to them to be in the presence of Jesus, that their bodies literally followed their heart.

Often in church, we must work to get our hearts to follow our bodies. We go through the motions, do our duties, and follow our traditions, while our heart is nowhere to be found. As a pastor, I constantly must highlight to our people to keep their heart in their ministry. To serve the Lord out of a heart of love, not out of a sense of duty. Would it not be great if we were so thrilled and thankful to be in the presence of Jesus, and to get to serve Jesus, that our actions would literally happen without thinking. That we would worship without having to work it up. That we would serve without having to stir it up. That we would not have to be motivated every Sunday to keep our heart right, but that our own hearts would keep us right. Has it been a while since you showed up at church and “fell down” to worship? Has it been a while since it just happened without you thinking about it? That your heart was so full, that your body could not stop it? This is the kind of heart that “wise men” have.