Called for a purpose
The birth of Jesus Christ was a powerful event that impacted both followers of God; the Jews, and the non-followers, the gentiles. In fact, the impact of his coming not only impacted the human race but creation and the powers of darkness as well were shaken. A star, well not just a star, but a special star that stood in place where the savior was born lead kings there. The wise men were came from the east and seemed to be the only ones who understood the phenomenon of the star. They brought gifts fit for a king that had special significance. All the events surrounding Christ’s appearance was fit for his mission and calling. It is similar to when God’s purpose for us becomes evident, everything around us points to the mission. Paul tells us that all things work together for a good for them who are called for his purpose (Ro8:28). With the calling, all things both good and bad work together for a good for what God has for us. A sign that I often look for for when God is going to use me for his purpose is the movement of the dark forces against me(pr20:5). God’s purpose for us is a work in progress, meaning that we have to work it out; everything has meaning, one day at a time until it is fulfill (Ph2:12-13).
Matthew 2:10-11
10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they 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.
Now, these wise men brought gifts for the Christ just as they did to David and to Salomon who were the types of Christ. And, these gifts had a special significance, for example, gold. Gold was given to kings to honor their reign(2Ch9:14). Jesus spoke of this queen of Sheba who came to listen to Salomon and his wisdom and brought gifts of gold to him. These gifts of gold brought to Christ was in honoring God with their prosperity that the wise men brought (pr3:9-10). The wise men brought along with the gold was frankincense. And, frankincense was a incense of sweet smell that they lit. It was one of the ingredients of the sanctuary and a symbol of God’s divine name (Ma1:11). It was and is an emblem of prayer (Re5:8, ps141:2). The wise men brought the third gift which was myrrh, and this was used in burial for embalming the dead. Now, these wise men did not know that this Christ was the sacrificial lamb of God that would die for men kind (Is53:12).
So, along the very introduction of the Christ and his triumphant rule came his end. God’s purpose comes with a timeline from start to finish. His purpose comes complete. He will complete his purpose in you (ps138:8).
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Proverbs 20:5
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Philippians 2:12-13
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Proverbs 3:9-10
9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Malachi 1:11
11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.
Revelations 5:8
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
Psalms 141:2
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Isaiah 53:12
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.