Reverence - Wise men

Matthew 2:11 - 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.

 

As I reflect on the journey of the Wise Men to the manger, one thing stands out profoundly: the reverence they showed towards baby Jesus. This moment in the Gospel of Matthew (2:11) is striking, as we see these men, bowing down before a newborn lying in a humble manger. In that simple yet powerful act of bowing, they acknowledged the supreme divinity and kingship of Jesus.

 

It’s remarkable when you consider who these men were. Scholars suggest they were individuals of high social and intellectual standing—astrologers, sages, or even kings from distant lands. The gifts they presented—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—speak to their wealth and royal status. These weren't mere tokens; they were lavish offerings, fit for royalty. Each point to the profound recognition that they were in the presence of someone far greater than themselves.

 

This idea of kings coming to honour a King is rooted deeply in Old Testament prophecies. 

 

Isaiah 60:3 - "Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." 

 

Psalm 72:10-11 -  "May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him." 

 

I am of the impression that the Magi were not just ordinary men. They came, drawn by the light of Christ, recognising Him as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The reverence they displayed—bowing before a baby in a manger—is a posture of profound worship, one that humbles me deeply.

 

I often wonder if, in our churches today, we've lost this kind of reverence. In our busy, modern lives, it can be easy to forget that we stand in the presence of the Most High God, the Creator of the universe, the one who is worthy of all our praise, adoration, and awe. Are we still coming before Him with the same attitude as the Magi—humbling ourselves, offering our best, and bowing in recognition of His supremacy? Or have we become too accustomed to His presence, taking it for granted as something that is always available, forgetting the profound sacredness of being in the presence of the King of Glory?

 

Of course we are part of the New Covenant. We have the liberty to enter into the presence of God anytime and whenever we want. We are not bound by traditions or rituals. 

 

But when we are busy with our phones during the service, when we dress sloppily, and our minds drift away, when we don’t singing or worship, can we say we have reverence for God? I am not sure.

 

I admire the Hindus and the Muslims. They show such great respect and reverence when they go to the mosque or the temple. Recently I attended a catholic mass. I was amazed at the reverence and awe these people showed when they stood in God’s presence.  

 

But the Magi’s visit reminds us that Jesus is not just a historical figure or a distant savior—He is the King. And the reverence they showed is a call to each of us to consider our own posture in the presence of God. Are we truly recognising who He is and bowing before Him with the respect and worship He deserves? The Magi’s example is a challenge for us to reclaim that reverence, not just in our worship but in our everyday lives, knowing that we are in the presence of the Most High—worthy of all our honour, praise, and devotion.

Hebrews 4:16 - So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Boldness is not the absence of reverence but the courage to approach His presence with awe and humility.

 

Let me suggest some practical ways to revere God’s presence.

 

Acknowledgement of God's Sovereignty: Many biblical references express God's supreme power and authority over the universe. For example, in the book of Psalms, God is often praised for His creation and majesty (e.g., Psalm 103:19).

Concentration. Let your heart and  mind be totally engaged in God’s presence during the service. Don’t let anything distract or dissuade your attention. Put away anything that will be a distraction. Be on time. 

Always ask – If I am going to meet the President or the King, how I will be?

Worship and Praise: Reverence towards God in the Bible is frequently shown through worship, as seen in the Psalms, where the people are called to "fear" (in the sense of showing deep respect and awe) and honor God (e.g., Psalm 89:7).

 

Obedience: Reverence to God also implies obedience to His commandments and guidance. This is shown in various parts of the Bible, such as in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) where respect for God is closely tied to obedience.

 

Prayer: Prayer is a meaningful way for believers to show reverence, recognizing God's holiness and expressing their desire for a personal relationship with Him, as demonstrated in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).Fear of the Lord: In the Bible, the "fear of the Lord" often refers not to terror, but to a deep sense of awe, respect, and reverence, recognizing God's justice, holiness, and power. Proverbs 1:7  - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."

 

Reverence to God in the Bible means recognizing His greatness and responding with respect, worship, and obedience. It is an essential part of a believer's relationship with God. And don’t forget we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and He dwells in us. How much more should we show reverence in our daily walk.

 

What about their gifts? Good for another devotion