ADVENT - DAY 5 - A WILLINGNESS TO GIVE UP CONTROL

ANTICIPATING GOD IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON (A Daily Advent Devotional)

Over the next few days till Christmas I would like you to take a journey with me in anticipation.  Let's daily look at the events leading up to the birth of Christ with a sense of anticipation of His arrival into this world and into our lives.  (Inspired by the Book "The Miraculous Journey" by Marty A. Bullis).

Advent Day 5 - A Willingness To Give Up Control

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:7-9, 11, 12 ESV)

The wise men came to Jerusalem asking the question, "Where is the child that will be king?"  This was a dangerous question for men who didn't know the disposition of the king.  Had Herod been a good king, a secure king, the question would have been appropriate.  But this was a man full of himself and hiss power.  He was a king full of insecurities about losing his power.  The wise mens questions to him evoked fear in him and as a result in those who served under him.  His was a fear of losing his power and theirs was a fear of losing their lives as the king became more and more unstable.  As the wise men searched out and found Jesus they bowed down and worship.  They gave their worship to Him and they gave him control of their lives.  It is a picture of humility and submission of their lives to Christ.  It is a picture of surrendering of their who being to be a Christ follower.  Surrender is not something we do well because we don't want to lose control and let go of our self interest.  They bowed down and they brought great gifts to Him.  As you anticipate Christ this season - are you willing to bow down to Him and surrender every part of your heart and life to Him?  Remember that in giving up control is the first step of getting control of your life today.