Gifts for Jesus or Gifts for us?

Whose Gifts are they?

Video - https://skitguys.com/videos/the-fourth-wise-man

Matthew 2:1–12 NIV

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

matthew 2

We live in a world where actions get results

Where if you want something you have to give something.

The bigger the thing you want the more you have to give.

Jesus

We think we need to bring gifts.

We come with preconceptions of how we are to meet Jesus. How to live with him - what he will want from us.

We live in a world where actions get rewards. I go to work they pay me.

Where if you want something you have to give something. Christmas is a great example where we are thinking what gifts we give people so that we don’t appear stingy or there is a disparity between what we give and what we receive either because we don’t want to cause embarrassment or we are stuck in the playing the bigger the thing you receive the more you have to give arms race .

We sometime transfer this thinking to our relationship with God.

The bigger the thing you want the more you have to give.

We feel that it is out actions that earn us ‘brownie points’ with God

We get caught in the lies of the enemy that it is our works that give us salvation - that we earn it.

When the beautiful truth is that we have this because of what God has done not what we have done, are doing or will do in the future.

We are saved by Grace not by what we give or what we do.

Ephesians 2:8–9 NIV

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Thank God for Grace because I don’t think I can do enough to cover over the things that I get wrong.

I know I can’t give enough to save me.

I am very aware thatJenny and I stand here trying to encourage you to get involved in things

Encouraging you to give both finically and of your time and skills; to take part in the work of Christ. Asking you to serve in the advancement of His Kingdom and I do that un-apologetically.

We are All called to:

Worship - including with our giving

Evangelise - to those around us

Minister to people

To bring healing to the people

But I want to make it clear we do not ask these things because this is the route to salvation.

Matthew tells us

Matthew 10:8 NIV

8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Matthew 10:7–8 NIV

7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

-

Minister

It is the last sentence that is important - Jesus flips the transaction based relationship. We are not Saved because we do things - we are called to do things because we are Saved.

Our Worship is not a gift to God it is the overflow of Gods gift to us.

Jesus challenges this transaction based relationship.

Spreading the good news is not a task we undertake for reward it is us bragging about the amazing gift our daddy in heaven has given us.

The Magi were not forced to go searching for the Messiah, they desired too. The shepherds on the hill that night did not have some Angelic Host commanding them to worship, the longed to.

The video sums it up so succinctly - Jesus does not need our Gifts, He is our Saviour, a Gift to us - Bigger than all our mistakes, bigger than all our offerings, bigger than any thing we can do.

The gifts teach use about how God sees us.

As we hear in the Christmas stories gifts pay a big part . We hear of how a this group of Magi came bringing gifts. We don’t know how many, all we know is that there were three gifts - Gold, Frankincense and hummus, I mean myrrh.

I mean myrrh

Each of the Gifts has a significance, they foretold (you could say prophesied) of who this little baby was and what he would ultimately achieve.

But the also tell something of us and how God sees us, his children.

The first is Gold.

Gold - Royalty

Gold speaks of Royalty and incorruptibility

Gold is the metal of Kings and Queens it is everlasting (practically) it does not tarnish or decay.

Jesus was given Gold as a recognition that he would be King of Kings, Lord of everything and that his Kingdom would last for ever.

The moment each of us accepted Christ into our lives we became part of that Royal Family.

1 Peter 2:9 NIV

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1:peter 2:9

When someone joins a Royal Family they are treated differently - they are given the recognition that comes with the family name, not what they were in the past. Megan Markle went from being Ms Markle to Her Royal Highness.

Each of us is the same we go from being defined by our history to being defined by the promises of a Future. We need to live as we are seen by God.

How many of us forget out new found Royal heritage. On a Sunday we sing “I am who you say I am” or I”I am a child of God” and on a Monday, when the first trial hit us we forget our identity and start to act to match the lies of the colleague, the teacher, the family member who calls us useless for a little mistake

You are a Royal priesthood a Child of the Most Hight God. - your assurance need to be in Him. If ever there was something to have tattooed on the inside of your eyelids so you can keep being remind that is it (that is not a practical suggestion) but being constantly reminded that you are HIS that you are a new person part of this Royal household is something we need to have in mind at all times

This is where the second gift come in Frankincense.

The second gift was Frankincense.

Frankincense Aura of God at all time

Frankincense speaks of the presence of God,

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Biblical Relevance

In the Old Testament, frankincense was used primarily for worship. It was one of the ingredients for the incense in the tent of meeting (Exod 30:34). This incense was holy and treated similarly to the anointing oil

The cloud of incense that filled the holy of Holy’s in the temple represented the presence of God.

We don’t have a temple, we are the temple and the presence of God is always with us.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The Frankincense is a reminder that God wants to dwell with us, wants to have that sort of relationship the pervades out lives.

Father God

it is a reminder at this time of year that when we don’t feel close to God, it is not He that has stepped away.

Holy spirit

Frankincense is also associated with Priesthood. This is important that when we consider God presence it is not just this warm fuzzy thing, but the Holy spirit is there to minister to us in our troubles. One who gets us, understands us.

Hebrews tells us.

A priest like us

Hebrews 4:14–16 NIV

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

4:14-16

Frankincense reminds us that God is present as healer, a comforter, a restorer and that nothing we have done compares to the sacrifice that Jesus made to allow us to stand in that presence.

God knows who we are, how we are and what we need. Frankincense reminds us that His prensence is there as healer

Hebrews 7:23–27 NIV

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

Because of this we can stand in the presence of God blameless and pure. We can stand as part of his Royal family a child of God at all times.

healing - Frankincense

Sacrifice - r

When we don’t alway feel this way. We need to (close our eyes and read the words we have just had tattooed and) recognise the truth we are made perfect in Christ -sometimes it is worth saying it out loud . No matter what I feel God tells me different. He declares ‘you are his Child. A member of royal priesthood. Accepted and loved’. and He is with you, ever present to support you. -

1 Timothy 2:4–6 NIV

4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

We need to start living in that stance.

And that is what Myrrh is about.

Myrrh - anointing as a king

Myrrh speaks of anointing

Myrrh was spice used for anointing. We know that it was used at death to anoint a body, which is part of the symbolism in it being presented to Jesus. It was also used to anoint Kings. Jesus was presented this in preparation of him being anointed King.

But anointing goes beyond kingship. In the ancient Near East, the ritual of ceremonially covering a person or object with scented oil or another liquid symbolised a transfer of sanctity from God to that person or object;

The Lexham Bible Dictionary The Practice of Anointing in the Ancient World

In the ancient Near East, the ritual of ceremonially covering a person or object with scented oil or another liquid symbolized a transfer of sanctity from a deity to that person or object; it was thus considered a sacramental or consecrating act (McCarter, I Samuel, 178). However, ancient peoples also performed non-ritual anointings, which included rubbing their shields with oil or applying oil to their bodies for cosmetic or healing purposes (Hamilton, “Anointing,” 1255a).

In the ancient Near East, the ritual of ceremonially covering a person or object with scented oil or another liquid symbolised a transfer of sanctity from God to that person or object;

In the ancient Near East, the ritual of ceremonially covering a person or object with scented oil or another liquid symbolized a transfer of sanctity from a deity to that person or object; it was thus considered a sacramental or consecrating act (McCarter, I Samuel, 178). However, ancient peoples also performed non-ritual anointings, which included rubbing their shields with oil or applying oil to their bodies for cosmetic or healing purposes (Hamilton, “Anointing,” 1255a).

However, ancient peoples also performed non-ritual anointing, which included rubbing their shields with oil or applying oil to their bodies for protective or healing purposes (Hamilton, “Anointing,” 1255a). In the past if it moved it got anointed, if it stood still it was anointed.

Anointing has a dual purpose, it sets apart the person that has been anointed and also gives them abilities or powers or properties - sounds interesting - I could do with a few powers.

Prophets were anointed to be able to proclaim God's word.

Priests were anointed to carry out their duties of worship and sacrifice.

Kings were anointed so they could rule.

People were anointed for healing.

Object were anointed so they could be set aside for holy use.

Animals were anointed for protection - lambs would be rubbed with scented oils to prevent flies bothering their eyes.

The Anointing we receive is from Gods word, from the Holy Spirit and is more real than a quick rub down with an oily rag. John tells us

1 John 2:27 NIV

27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

What should we expect if we are anointed. Which you are...

Priests were anointed to carry out their duties of worship and sacrifice.

Kings were anointed so they could rule.

People were anointed for healing.

Object were anointed so they could be set aside for holy use.

To be able to discern truth - .

To testify of the truth - "This is the one who came by water and blood __ Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth."

To be able to pray - "and which says, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. . . "

To Live a righteous life - "in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit."

To be strengthened with power in your inner being - "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,"

To be led by God - "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."

To live in joy - "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,"

To live in hope - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

To receive spiritual gifts - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit." "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

To bear spiritual fruit - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Funny but the list of the things that being anointed allows you to do matches up with the things that I find so hard about living the Christian life. They are the things that when I fail at them cause me to forger the Gold - I am an adopted member of God’s family and the Frankincense - That God is with me always, that his Holy Spirit dwells within me.

Thais is the purpose of the Myrrh It is this anointing that opens your mind, teaches us, guides you, calls you to pray, empowers you, and enables us to be stronger Christians, more powerful Christians. Not just people who are saved, but people who are saved, indwelt, and empowered.

The final Gift - Hummus

The final gift is hummus - why because everyone like hummus. :-) and it’s approaching lunchtime and I’m hungry

Concluding

So as we go through this Advent Period, as thought turn to Gifts we expect to receive from loved one, gifts we plan to give. Take some time to consider the Gifts that God has already given you. The adoption into his Royal family only possible through the ultimate gift he gave some 2000 years ago on a hillside outside of Jerusalem, the promise that he will always be with you and the anointing he has placed on each of you.

2 Corinthians 9:10–15 NIV

10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 cori 9: 10-

As you cosider these gifts that we have - think what Gift we may give in return - God doesn’t need anything but desires us. Our chief reason to be is to Glorify God and enjoy him.

How we do this is what impacts on others. God has given you the most expensive gift, his Sons life - make you gift to Him this year Hummus - make spending time with God, being his people an everyday staple of your life.