Seeking the King’s Joy

In our second message in the “Promise” series, in Matthew 2:1-12, we dive into three important methods by which we can obtain access to the King’s joy: by looking, by traveling and worshiping. The magi, who often looked to the sky for direction, saw a different kind of star in the sky. This star initiated a journey unlike any other, prompting them to travel over 1500 miles through mountainous and desert terrain, ultimately to a manger where Jesus was born. Upon arrival, they worshiped Him and found great Joy when they saw the baby Jesus, the king of glory. We should also continue to look, travel and worship daily so that we can share in the everlasting Joy that comes with the majesty of Jesus Christ.

During this Christmas season, let’s not forget to take steps of faith and push toward the coming King. This may mean giving up our time, our energy and even our resources so that we can experience all that God would have for us.

Questions for Meditation

1. In Matthew 2:10 we see the magi arriving to their destination “overjoyed.” What are some ways this Christmas that you can share the joy of the Lord with family and friends?
2. In the historical account of the magi traveling toward baby Jesus, we see that upon arrival they brought gold (wealth), incense, (fragrance used in worship) and myrrh (anointing oil and medicine). What are some ways that we can posture ourselves to worship God? What are some things that we can bring to the Lords house, that help to represent the three things mentioned above?
3. In the same way the magi “looked” toward the sky, God has given us the Bible so that we can look for His son in the scriptures. We should seek to find Jesus in every historical account (story) in the bible. What are some bible stories that you can think of that “shadow” the coming King?
4. What are some other ways that we can actively “look” for or seek after God/Jesus Christ in our day to day lives??
5. In verse eleven, we see the magi beholding the child with his mother. Soon after seeing the child with His mother, they began to bow down and worshiped Him. People of all ages and nations were made to worship, in the same way the magi did. If we are not worshiping Jesus, we are worshiping something else. What are some things that we put ahead of (worship instead of) God? 
6. What are some things that tend to distract us from fully experiencing the joy of God, or to steal our Joy?
7. Once we have received a promise, we need to consistently move forward. What are some things in the world that you’ve held on to that you should be letting go?