Day 1: Pure Worship

Read Matthew 1-4

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. -Matthew 2:10-11 NLT

The Magi were Gentiles who came from the east and sought to worship the king of the Jews. The star indicating his birth sparked their interest, but instead of following the star, they came to the only place where a king would be found- the palace. When they re-focused their journey on the star and the prophesies, they were led to Bethlehem to the house where the child was found with his mother. They were so joyful that their pursuit came to fruition that they could not help themselves from bowing down and worshipping Him and offering Him the best out of their treasure chests. Their gifts were not gifts for a child- but offerings for a Holy God and King (Exodus 30:34, Psalms 72:10).

The Magi teach us what true worship is like in its purest form - pursuit of God, reverence for His presence, and offering of ourselves to Him. Often, we as "seasoned" Christians diminish the holiness of our God and cheapen grace. We take worship for granted and forget to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). This lent season, let us focus our hearts on pursuing God. Let our desire for pursuing Him be the words of his scriptures and the guidance of His Holy Spirit. Let the outpouring of our hearts be true worship - worship that is joyful, reverent, holy, and respectful for our King of Kings.

- Pearl Rajan