What Do You Worship?

January 05, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:1-2

After the Christmas celebration has died down, what do you do? Maybe the company has departed and there are messes throughout the house to be cleaned. Or maybe you planned the next big gathering to celebrate the New Year? There are always plenty of good things to do in our lives, yet do these good things crowd out the most important thing?

After the wise men saw the star in the east, they travelled to Jerusalem to find the baby “born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). Don’t miss the irony of this passage. These wise men were in King Herod’s territory. Herod is the reigning king, yet these men are not here for him but for the one who has been born a king. Despite the worldly designations and expectations, these wise men knew who was worthy of their worship.

What about you? Do you know, believe, and behave in ways that demonstrate that Jesus alone is worthy of your worship? There will always be things and people in this world vying for your attention and worship. It may begin with your boss at work. In that office space, he demands that work take first place in your life. Sometimes demands come from family members who want to take first place in your heart or your calendar. These can be good things, but not the most important thing.

Jesus alone is worthy of your worship. Everything else in your life is a gift from him and is to be enjoyed and honored but not worshiped. That includes your money, job, spouse, children, home, etc. As you consider your priorities at the end of this Christmas season, will you choose to follow in the way of the wise men and make the worship of Jesus the top priority?

Reflection:

Consider the things that vie for your attention and worship? Ask the Lord if there is any realigning he would like to do in your heart and life today? Then come and worship the baby born a king! We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

The Crucified Life small group Christian study is designed to reflect upon the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross and what they mean for us today. Walk the road of Calvary with Jesus in order to grow closer to Him. The Crucified Life small group study examines human suffering as it is mirrored in Christ’s suffering on the cross and what His seven last words say to a hurting world. Find out incredible insights into these words as Jesus teaches us, even in death, how we can use our suffering and triumph over it for His glory. Begin your Crucified Life today.