Epiphany Light-- Pt. 2

In the presence of Jesus one will either a) fall down and worship, or b) go on a rampage. The Magi did the former; King Herod did the latter.

Most of us wish we were like the Magi. The reality, however, is different. We're more like Herod. We consider ourselves to be so important and significant to the existence of all things. What would the world do without "me". What would happen if I were suddenly taken out of the picture? We fear the worst.

Here's the honest truth: you and I are not really that important. That's not meant to be an insult. But given today's cultural climate you would think that the meaning of life is our own rise to fame. We so much want others to notice and admire us. We're being taught to covet the undying admiration of the masses. Isn't everything we do all week done to impress people? Aren't even our attempts to disgust people designed to placate someone or drive people to submission?

The Magi understood the Scriptures and came to worship the Child. And they were outsiders! They came with treasures that showed they believed what Jesus came to do, and that is, he came to be a king who was to give up his life in limitless servanthood. Such servanthood can be offensive, especially if that servant is God. But to know and believe that the God of Israel accepts even the stargazing foreigner would have thrilled the Magi. It led them to worship.

That's what happens when we know that God would serve us by giving of Himself. We worship, not to placate, but to revere. That the God of the Universe would deign to humble Himself for the great benefit of the world leads to reverent response.