Tag Archives: magi

What can I give?

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 19, 2025:  SOAP #5830: Matthew 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 2:1 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 in the east and have come to worship him.” …11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

OBSERVATION:  People sought out Jesus for many reasons.  Some came to ask questions.  Some came to find fault.  Some came to find relief from some physical ailment.  Most came for themselves, but some came for a child or servant.  But the “Magi from the east” came to worship. 

Many who came to Jesus as an adult expected Him to do something for them.  The “Magi” who we refer to as “wise men,” came to Jesus when he was a child.  They were not looking for what Jesus could do for them, but what they could give Him!  They gave Him worship and gifts appropriate from one king to another, from one royal person to another royal person. 

APPLICATION:  Christian growth and maturity bring changes in understanding of my relationship with Jesus.  He has become a part of my world, now He wants me to be a part of His world.  My consideration of what He can do for me changes to what I can do for Him.  One who has everything, to the One who created the world?

But what does one give to Men give us a good example; they gave Him worship!  I too can give Him my worship.  I do not have gold, frankincense or myrrh, but I do have a heart dedicated as His throne room, ears tuned to His voice, a mouth quick to say, “yes,”  hands and feet ready to go and do His bidding.

PRAYER:  Jesus, you are my Lord and Savior.  I worship you.  Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me.  All I am, and all I have is yours.  May my service grow in usefulness to you and your kingdom.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  soapsbyleon.wordpress.com

My Mission

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 15, 2025: SOAP #5611:  1Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 2:1 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 in the east and have come to worship him.”…
11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

OBSERVATION:   The Magi traveled many miles and many days to fulfill their mission.  Surely, they were thinking that any king born in Israel would be born in Jerusalem.  But in Jerusalem they were only able to state their mission and get directions to where they would be able to fulfill their mission. 

What was their mission?  They had come to worship the new-born king!   They did not worship in Jerusalem, nor when the star appeared, however they did rejoice upon seeing the star.  It was when they saw the child; it was when they were in His presence that they fulfilled their mission—they worshipped!  

APPLICATION:   I can praise God talking to you; I can give Him glory talking to you; but for worship, I must be aware of His presence.  Simply stated, worship begins with an awareness of His presence.  It is the natural response to His presence.  What we do to Him (worship) leads to what we do for Him (service).  Worship leads to deeper commitment, to service, to evangelism.

PRAYER:  Lord, you alone are worthy of my worship.  You are searching for worshippers.  May you find me to be what you desire. (John 4:23)   My mission is to honor you in all I do. Worship is at the heart of my mission.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon