GPS-Gold

04 / Sunday Read Matthew 2:1-12

Overview: Gold is for the Magi’s gift and also for God’s glory. Will we offer God the best that we have this new year? Will we give God the glory?

05 / Mon – How did they know?  |  Read Numbers 24:17a / Matthew 2:1-2, 9

How did the wise men know that a special king would be born to the Jews? Daniel, a Jewish captive, gained prominence in the east during the reign of several kings. Over time, he was known as the wisest in the kingdom. His integrity made him a trustworthy advisor, and he could interpret God’s messages sent in dreams. He knew the OT prophecies of the Messiah and quite possibly passed them down to others who began watching. God has amazing ways to use your life to influence generations yet unborn. How does that shape your thinking and choices now?

06 / Tue – Why did they come?  |  Read Matthew 2:2b and 2:11a 

What was the goal of these wise men? Knowing what you know about history, was this a common reason to visit a king? It seems unlikely. Notice how the Jewish chief priests and teachers knew where to send the wise men, but none went with them to Bethlehem. Is it possible to thoroughly know the scriptures yet miss finding Jesus? What might have stopped them? Is something stopping you from going beyond the words on the page to find Jesus in real-life situations?

07 / Wed – What gifts did they bring?  |  Read Matthew 2:11b

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are listed as the valuable gifts the wise men brought to honor the newborn King of the Jews. All three were very rare in the ancient world. Only the wealthy could afford them, so it was appropriate that these men brought their best and most precious gifts to honor the baby king. What about you? What is most valuable to you…time?…money?…possessions? …hopes or dreams? Will you offer your best to the Lord today for His use? He is worthy of it.

08 / Thu – Gold and glory  |  Read Exodus 33:15-23

Gold often represents God’s glory. It’s a reminder of God’s magnificence, His presence, infinite worth, splendor, and character. And it is often described as a weighty, dazzling radiance. One powerful example of God’s glory is the conversation He had with Moses after he returned to the mountaintop following the golden calf debacle. What did Moses want to see (v18)? What did the Lord say He would show Moses in v19a? What’s the connection? When or where have you felt or seen God’s glory?

09 / Fri – The glory of God proved what they believed  |  Read John 1:14 / Matthew 17:1-3

The disciples who followed Jesus saw Him in all kinds of situations. By his miracles and teachings, he gradually revealed himself as the Son of God. Peter was the first to declare that fact out loud, a faith statement based on the clues he and the other disciples had pieced together. He was one of three who saw Jesus glorified on the mountain. Then they all witnessed Jesus’ glory when he appeared to them in his resurrected body. Someday, you too will see the glory of God in person. In the meantime, will you reflect God’s glory as you grow to know Him better here?

10 / Sat – Adding your contribution  |  Read John 17:4-5 / John 15:8 / 1 Corinthians 10:31

How amazing it is that the LORD Almighty offers you the opportunity to join the parade of past saints who brought honor to Him! In Jesus’ final prayer, what did he say in v4 about how he had brought glory to his Father on earth? According to Jesus’ words in v8, how can we bring glory to God during our earthly life? The best place to start is by deciding to put the Lord first in every area of your life and then sticking as close to Him as you can.