http://focusontheword.com/dailydev/showdev.asp?id=12401 Today's Devotion Wedneday, January 24, 2001 "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." (Matthew 2:11) TODAY'S THOUGHT The word "treasure" from Greek is translated as a deposit of wealth. What wealth could they possibly have had suitable for the Son of God? Gold? Frankincense? Myrrh? Was that sufficient? Would it be sufficient for you to bring Him only "gold, frankincense, and myrrh"? The question becomes, "What does God expect as a reasonable gift . . . a deposit of wealth? What do we have that would be considered as 'wealth' to bring to Him?" The word "gift" translates as "a present" or "a sacrifice". Hmmmm . . . the word "sacrifice" seems to have a familiar ring to it! So, it would almost seem as if a "sacrifice" might be a suitable or reasonable gift or treasure to open up to Him when we bow down and worship. Gold interestingly translates as "a golden article, as an ornament or coin". An "ornament" is something that is "put on" . . . something/someone is "adorned" with an "ornament". Gold represents purity, preciousness, and in its purest form is considered priceless. The wise men, as they opened their treasures before the Newborn King, they offered the purest gift possible . . . the gift of praise from a pure heart as they bowed in worship before Him! We're instructed to "put on a garment of praise" which actually adorns our hearts . . . pure as gold, clothed with praise! As the treasures were opened before the tiny King, there was to be found frankincense and myrrh . . . incense and a savory, perfumed, sweet-smelling oil. Heb 13:15 says, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Again, it is praise . . . pure praise that is pleasing . . . a sweet-smelling savour unto Him! So, what does God expect as a reasonable gift . . . a deposit of wealth? What do we have that would be considered as 'wealth' to bring to Him? It is the opening of our treasures before Him . . . our praise, our adoration, our worship . . . presenting ourselves adorned with the garments of praise offering sacrifices to Him which are a sweetsmelling savor unto Him Are you wealthy . . . do you have a treasure to lay before Him today? Praise Him! Adore Him! Worship Him! You'll never find One more worthy than He! TODAY'S PRAYER Father, as the wise men of old opened their treasures before Your Only Begotten Son, I open my heart -- my treasure -- before You and offer You my sacrifice of praise, the fruit of my lips giving thanks to Your name! Father, I stand in awe of You . . . please accept my gift as I lay it before You, consume it and let Your awesome presence surround me. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) Amen! Have a blessed day! Jan Ross jross@... http://focusontheword.com ICQ #18767082 "Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim" (Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem) Psalm 122:6 *`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`* Weekly Scripture Memory: John 1:1-14 *`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*