September 26

Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:41-52; Mark 1:2-8; Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 3:1-18; Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22

People can have very different responses to the same event. For example, after a sporting event half the fans are elated, and half are depressed. On a far more significant level, we see people responding in very different ways to Jesus. During his lifetime and even today, people’s responses to Jesus vary from hatred to love, from worship to murder. The Magi came from the east to worship the one born King of the Jews. In contrast, Herod responds by being disturbed and seeking to kill the perceived usurper to his throne. The teachers in Jerusalem were filled with amazement at his wisdom, while John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus as his superior.

When confronted with Jesus, everyone has to respond in some way. Somewhere in this spectrum of responses— from worship, to opposition, to apathy—are the attitudes of those around us. God has placed us in their lives so we can proclaim Jesus' surpassing greatness to them so that they might join us in worship.

Father God, thank you for Jesus. Help me to remember his greatness and live my life in submission and worship to him. Amen.

How can you remember to continually worship God?

No Comments