The Gift of Gold
We get the gift of gold. It has always been and still is costly and valued.
God commanded the use of gold throughout the Tabernacle and the Temple . . . the Ark of the Covenant, cups, bowls, lamp stands, the altar, etc. (Exodus 25 and 1 Kings 6 & 7)
Revelation 21 describes the New Jerusalem (heaven) as: The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. (v. 21)
Valued treasure and paving material, let’s look at some facts about gold:
- It has been discovered on every continent on earth.
- It will conduct heat and electricity, and will never rust.
- It is so pliable it can be made into sewing thread.
- It is mentioned more than 400 times in the Bible.
- The gold standard sets the value for currency in many nations.
- Perfectly pure gold is soft enough to be molded by hand.
The Magi’s gift of Gold to Jesus represented His sovereign nature, and foreshadowed His role as King.
For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 1 Timothy 6:15
They will go to war against the Lamb but the Lamb will defeat them, proof that He is Lord over all lords, King over all kings, and those with Him will be the called, chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14
Why is Jesus Called Our King?
In the 21st century, the role of royalty around the world appears to be primarily that of celebrity and figurehead. We don’t have a king in the U.S.; so, we fail to understand the benefit or our need.
Unfortunately, that attitude can carry over into our relationship with Christ. However, if we don’t recognize our need for Him as King, He becomes little more than a celebrity teacher and mouthpiece for religion. Jesus – 100% God and 100% Man has been declared King . . . by His ancestry through the line of David, by the fact that He is God over all creation, and offering Himself as sacrificial Redeemer of our souls.
It is in and through His crucifixion and resurrection that He became the King we need. Jesus is not celebrity, nor is He figurehead. Jesus is loving Savior who reigns with perfect love.
Why We Need Jesus as Our King?
We need Him as King because His way is better than our way. He reigns in perfect love, and His plans for us are determined by His perfect love. He wants only the best for us now and forever.
He is sovereign. He reigns as King eternal. Whether we admit it or not, Jesus is King.
Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death. Psalm 68:20
The Sovereign LORD has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will. Isaiah 50:4
We have the freedom to submit to His sovereign rule or to reject it. We have the freedom to do things our own way. We have the freedom to treat Him like a famous figure or allow Him to reign King eternal over our lives.
The Gift of Gold reminds us that Jesus is the King we need. Lord of lords. King of kings. Perfect Lover of our souls. Redeemer.
May we join the Magi and bow before King Jesus? But rather than offering Him gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh . . . may we give Him our hearts in humble submission, allow Him to reign over our lives, and trust the Lover of our souls.
Photo Credit