Givers and Takers

 1/5/25

Have you ever thought about what it means to worship God? We sing songs, offer prayers, give money, listen to sermons, receive communion, but is that always genuine worship? Is it possible to do all these things and still fail to worship? Pay attention to today’s Scripture:

“Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

—Matthew 2:7-11 

Notice in these verses two different places the word worship is used. Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem, saying he wanted to worship, when his real purpose was to secure his place on the throne by killing the Child. He wanted to take something from Jesus…his very life.

The wise men on the other hand, bowed down and gave gifts to the baby Jesus. Do you see the difference? Herod wanted to take. The wise men gave. 

I’ve often heard people say regarding a worship service, “I didn’t get much out of that service today.” They are missing the point. Worship is about giving, not taking. If you ever feel you didn’t get much out of a time of worship, ask yourself what you are giving to it. That’s the whole point.