Three Gifts

[HKHaugan]

Three Gifts

 What I can surmise from Scripture based on word meaning, the magi were men of wisdom, studied in religion and representing the culmination of human wisdom in their respective cultures.  Their trip had purpose, to see a king from a culture that believed in one God.  In it a prophesied deliverer, the wisest of the wise would be born.  While they were wise men of the world it was obvious they hungered for more or they would not have made such a long and treacherous journey.  And they were carrying precious gifts, gifts that would signify they knew the symbolism of Hebrew worship that gold, incense and myrrh were used in Hebrew worship as Temple adornments.  Could this birth of a king of the Jews in Judea be the source of the final wisdom they were seeking?  This is of course speculation but what Scripture does reveal is their existence, the distance they traveled and the gifts they brought.  Also, they were led by a star having read the Micah prophecy, “'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel (Micah 5:2).'"

 Thus, we are brought to the gifts themselves, gold, incense and myrrh.  What is their spiritual significance?  Gold in ancient cultures was associated with royalty and nobility.  Incense for the presence of spiritual reality.  Myrrh a traditional healing substance.  Keep in mind that these were not necessarily religious men but men of worldly wisdom seeking spiritual wisdom.  So, for us on this side of the Cross and the Resurrection we see them as preparatory gifts recognizing their willingness to believe in a future king of wisdom. 

 Gold now for us, is the symbol of pure wisdom.  The most coveted precious metal that can be owned has the inner meaning of the spiritual riches, the treasures in Heaven proceeding from a relationship with Jesus, the King of kings and King of Heaven. Building character is spiritual gold.  It might be said too that character, spiritual character is the foundation of a lifestyle given to us by the Lord.  “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10).”

 Incense is the fragrance emanating from the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of the Wisdom of God.  It permeates the atmosphere of a unifying power that brings the heart to God and binds believers together in a spiritual family, the new Body of Christ in the world.  “And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying…(Lk.1:10).”

 Myrrh is the healing oil.  Oil being the sign in the anointing the Holy Spirit places on the believer. First, for the healing of the heart, recognizing its repentance and issuing forgiveness as a seal.  Secondly, for starting a relationship with Jesus in the hearts, minds and spirits of those willing to accept Him as their personal Savior and Lord.  Thirdly, bestowing special gifts that enable ministry and mission, purpose and drive, in those who are reborn spiritually (John 3, Acts 2, Rom.12, 1Cor. 12, Eph.4).