This morning Gary Hutchison, pastor of Grace Community Church, preached a wonderful sermon on worship from the story of the Magi in Matthew 2.  As he was sharing what Spirit had spoken to his heart I kept thinking of this poem from Whispered Treasures.   Later this week you can log on to the church website and listen to the sermon yourself - but until it is posted you can ponder these thoughts of mine.  I pray they will turn your heart to worship the baby born in Bethlehem, who was honored by the Magi, and who rules and reigns today as King of all kings.  He is worthy of all worship.

Insecurity raised its destructive head
In the heart and mind of a king called Herod.
Though he was known as Great by one and all
His life was overshadowed like one known as Saul.

Hearing words of truth from men who followed God
Of the birth in Bethlehem of a very special child -
He lacked the wisdom needed to be sure of the prophecy,
So he called in the experts to confirm the Magi's story.

Like the first king of Israel, he failed to understand
That his choices and decisions would not change God's plan.
His desire to be king and to rule over men
Was not greater than God's desire to conquer death and sin.

With secret meetings and closed door sessions
He schemed and lied just to gain more information.
He had great fear of losing position as king
And the thought of no throne was maddening thing!

Like King Saul, his disobedience was overwhelming.
His heart was dark, and his mind was spinning.
Rather than submit to the truths of God's word,
He became a murderer in his attempt to feel secure.

If he believed his advisors about this child in Bethlehem,
Why not believe all of the prophecies about this King?
Blinded eyes to his hardened heart were chained.
He was bound to his self-destructive desires for gain.

How many times does my insecure nature
Lead me to ignore the whole truth of God's word?
Do I hear only what speaks to my current situation
Without seeking to understand all of the information?

Does my selfish spirit speak only destruction
When my heart should be listening for God's instruction?
Does my desire to be right and to be in control
Leave me outwitted and with a troubled soul?

Oh, Father please forgive my disobedience.
Speak truth to my heart and give me sweet relief!
For in forgiveness of sin and knowledge of Your truth
I will find my security as I humbly bow before You.

Herod's insecurity took many young lives
And his schemes did not really fulfill his desires.
For the King of all kings, baby born in Bethlehem,
Rules and reigns as Lord of everything.

My heart is secure as I trust in You,
Giving my life to know and understand Your truth.
I give up my schemes, my desires and my plans
And trust in the grace that comes only from Your hands.

From Whispered Treasures  Copyright 2005 Amy Harvison

Joyfully worshiping Him,
Amy