Why Worship?

The wise men from the East traveled many miles for one purpose: To worship the new King of the Jews. But why? Some people worship God for what for what He has done in the past. Others worship Him because of what He will do in the future. Both are legitimate. But the Magi worshiped Jesus, not for what He had done or would do, but simply for who He was. Guided by a star and perhaps some knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures, they presented costly gifts and sincere adoration to a little baby simply because He deserved it. How much more should we adore Him, with our vastly superior knowledge of His identity! He is the eternal Word of God who “became flesh and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Son of God and Son of Man, He is the Bread of life; the Light of the world; the Good Shepherd; the Way, the Truth, and the Life; the Lamb who took away the sin of the world. King of kings and Lord of Lords, He is the crucified, risen, ascended ruler of the universe. Having offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, He is now a merciful and faithful High Priest for us before God in heaven. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. The bright morning Star. The Head of the church. The heavenly Bridegroom. The holy and true Witness of God. The Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world. “O come, let us adore Him.”