RTNT Matthew 2

Reading through the New Testament in 2012 M-F   (Link to the Schedule) 

Matthew 2:11

On coming to the house, they  (the Wise Men) 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.

• Gold – A gift for a King.  This is the King of Kings.
• Frankincense – A gift for a Priest who often offers pungent fragrances on an altar.  This is our Great High Priest.
• Myrrh – A gift for embalming someone in their death.    This is our trailblazer who overcame death by His resurrection.

Years ago, while attending Cal State Bakersfield I had a professor tell me that he had recently been to a church and heard a sermon on the gifts of the Magi.  He said, “The preacher didn’t say what happened to those gifts.  That kinda bothers me.”  I simply said, “They probably used it to fund their escape trip to Egypt.”  He stopped in his tracks and said, “ I hadn’t thought about that.  I assumed it would be something spiritual, but the answer is very pragmatic and sensible.”

I think too often people look for some lofty "spiritual” lessons from the scripture like the supposed symbolism behind the gifts they brought.  That symbolism may be there, but in practical ways God provided the family what they needed.  

God provides in unusual ways, but He promises to provide what we need.  Trust Him.