Beholding His Glory ~ Pastor Bill Slabaugh

When the Magi saw the Christ Child, they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). Frankincense is a gift fit for God.  In the Bible, the burning of frankincense pictures our prayers as going up to God as a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to Him. Frankincense pictures the worship of God. It pictures that unique gift—that fragrance that rises out of the human heart to the living and glorious God.

This and the next two messages will be an in-depth look at the significance of the three gifts presented to the Christ Child by the Magi: The Gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. What does each particular gift say about its recipient Jesus Christ? What does it say about who He is and what He has done? This message is about Gold: A Gift Fit for a King.

When it comes to the holiday season, those with the spiritual gifts of Hospitality, Giving, and Craftsmanship are in their element. They are in their grove as it were in their service and blessing to others. Even though it’s not just during the holidays that that bless other with their giftedness, the holidays give them a wonderful opportunity to uniquely serve and minister.

With music, God has given us a wonderful and powerful gift. It’s a gift that not only provokes significant memories but it also gives expression to the deepest feelings and desires of our hearts. When God gives something to the whole world, as He does music, it’s called a common grace. For example God’s gracious provision for His creatures is seen in the giving of the seasons—of seedtime and harvest. That’s a common grace, a gift from God.

 Music is also a gift of common grace to the world. But for believers in Jesus Christ, music is so much more. It’s an expression of a worshiping and thankful heart. For us as Christians, music is a gift of God to allow us to give expression of gratitude to God. The company of the redeemed sing. That is what we do.

This message considers those spiritually gifted believers in Jesus Christ who are willing to pick up a corner of a stretcher in order to help someone do what he or she can’t do for themselves.  It looks at those who are willing to take hold of someone and help them do what needs to be done. And it looks at those gifted believers who work quietly behind the scenes so that other believers can do what God called them to do. These are the believers who have been given the spiritual gifts of mercy, helps, and service. These are the gifted believers “Who Lend a Hand.”