9 After this interview the wise men went their way.
And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem.
It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.
“The words came to rest mean literally ‘came and stood’,
and can mean only that the star itself moved to guide the Magi.”
R. T. France
***
10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary,
We notice that Jesus here is called a Child,
likely being between 6 and 18 months old.
We also notice that (against custom)
the Child is mentioned before the mother.
David Gruzik
***
and they bowed down and worshiped him.
Then they opened their treasure chests
and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
It was common – especially in the East –
that one would never appear before royalty or a person of importance
without bringing gifts.
Considering who these wise men believed the young Child to be,
it is not surprising that they gave such lavish gifts.
David Gruzik
***
12 When it was time to leave,
they returned to their own country by another route,
for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Matthew 2:9-12 NLT
(They worshipped and obeyed.
Is it possible to worship and not obey?)
***
Worship is a believer’s response to God’s revelation of Himself.
It is expressing wonder, awe, and gratitude
for the worthiness, the greatness, and the goodness of our Lord.
It is the appropriate response to God’s person,
His provision, His power, His promises, and His plan.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss