Intentional Worship

Matthew 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Talk about setting the stage for worship!  These Magi came with the intent purpose of worshiping Christ.  They had done their homework, realized How unique He was - how worthy He was to worship. And they would not be detoured. They had no GPS, no Facebook location, nothing but the star. And they came prepared - prepared for the long, uncertain journey, and prepared with Gifts worthy and fitting for worship.  Are we anywhere near this intentional? Do we come because we know the Gospel of Jesus Christ - Who He is and what He has done? Do we find any reason we can to miss: having company, the early game, the little sniffle - any irritation or person, place or thing that we put before Him, that we allow to detour us from worship? Do we come prepared? Knowing ahead what gifts we will bring? Willing to go all out to bow down and worship Him?