Scripture

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up,” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”

Observation

Following Herod’s death, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream. He tells him that it is safe to return to Israel.

So Joseph and Mary pack their belongings and return to Israel. But then Joseph hears that Herod’s son is king, so he takes them to Nazareth in Galilee.

Application

The Lord speaks to his people in various ways. In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth, there are half a dozen references to angels appearing in dreams to Joseph and also to the Magi.

Some people are very dream oriented, but most Christians, at least in the West, tend not to take notice of dreams. On the other hand, there are numerous accounts of whole villages dreaming about Jesus in a single night and, as a result, thousands of Muslims turning to Christ.

If you are blessed with many dreams, it is a good idea to write them down when you wake up. Then pray over them, asking the Lord to show you what they mean.

Whatever ways God uses to speak to you, whether through dreams or other means, always remember to check them again Scripture. The Word of God is the only infallible revelation.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for this ability to hear you so intimately. Please help me to listen to the things you say. Amen.

Scripture

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

Some wise men from the east come to Jerusalem and ask, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”

King Herod is disturbed by this, so he asks the religious leaders where the Christ is to be born. They tell him Bethlehem. Herod sends the Magi to Bethlehem and ask them to report back to him when they find him.

They follow the star to Bethlehem, where they find Jesus. They worship him and present their gifts to him. Then they return home without passing through Jerusalem.

Application

The true response to Jesus is to worship him and give him our gifts.

To worship means to honour with our hearts, expressing love and devotion to Him. Worship should never be a dull ritual, because the Lord is the focal point of our attention. We should feel awe, perhaps even fear.

Having worshipped the Lord we give him our gifts. Our money is His and everything we own. Our ambitions and plans need to be given to Him, in fact our whole life belongs to Him.

Salvation is free, but discipleship costs us everything.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I worship you and offer back to you all that I am and have. Please help me to live for you alone. Amen.