O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.” Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD … 1 Chron 16:34-36.
… and when they praised the LORD saying, “He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God … 2 Chron 5:13-14.
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, that my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever … Psalm 30:11-12.
More verses of Praise!
Last Sabbath the prophecies declared of the coming of Christ from heaven to this earth, wise men studied and saw Him grow as a human among them. Today we have the privilege of knowing Him thru his Word and miracles that are benefited to us each day. The mornings here, especially have been amazing in their pink glows testifies to His creation and then there is the generosity of people that are inspired by his Spirit too. The testimony to the greatness of Jesus, even in the weakness of a newborn babe, He is King and begins his reign. as Spurgeon says …..
again testimony to the greatness of Jesus, even as a young child. “Jesus of Nazareth is so potent a factor in the world of mind that, no sooner is he there in his utmost weakness, a now-born King, than he begins to reign. Before he mounts the throne, friends bring him presents, and his enemies compass his death.” (Spurgeon) https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-2/
Three different responses to the worship of Jesus:
More important than gifts is the fact that they worshiped Jesus.
We see here three different responses to Jesus; one may say that all people respond in one of these three ways.
1· Herod displayed an open hatred and hostility toward Jesus.
· The chief priests and the scribes were indifferent toward Jesus, all the while retaining their religious respectability.
· The wise men sought out Jesus and worshiped Him – even at great cost.
. In comparing the visit of the wise men to the earlier visit of the shepherds (Luke 2:15-20), we see:
2· Jesus came to the Jew first, then to the Gentile.
· Jesus came to the humble and ignorant first, then the honorable and learned.
· Jesus came to the poor first, then the rich.
. We should learn from the wisdom of these wise men.
3· They were not satisfied with looking at the star and admiring it; they did something about the star, and set out and followed it.
· They persevered in their search and in following after the star.
· They were not discouraged in the search by clergy and doubtful religious leaders.
· They rejoiced at the star.
· When they arrived at the destination the star led them to, they entered in.
· When they entered in, they worshiped.
· They sensed an urgency to worship Him now and not wait until later.
· When they worshiped, it was to give something – not empty-handed adoration.
We see a wonderful pattern: “Those who look for Jesus will see him: those who truly see him will worship him: those who worship him will consecrate their substance to him.” (Spurgeon)
Turn to this song and worship, bring your gifts of praise, persevere in the Word for the coming year!!
How Great Thou Art by male quartet
Children's Story - an hour long live video of the Jesus Story, from a child's perspective
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 14:12-14 link
Prayer Meeting by Zoom 7:30pm every Wednesday
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