The Gifts of the Magi

One of the recurring prophecies about the restoration of Israel and the inauguration of God’s kingdom is that the nations will bring their treasures to Jerusalem and to the throne of God. In Isaiah 60, we hear, “The wealth of the nations shall come to you … They shall bring gold and frankincense.” In Revelation 21, we are told, “The kings of the earth will bring their glory into [the new Jerusalem] … They will bring into it the glory and honor of the nations.” When the New Jerusalem descends, when God’s kingdom comes, when creation is finally set free of bondage to sin and death, the nations of the earth will arrive in the presence of God with treasures in their arms, ready to worship.
 
In that light, it is not surprising that the early church saw in the visit of the Magi to Jesus, complete with gifts and worship, more than just a handful of interesting converts. They saw the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promises, the first fruits of the nations bringing their treasures to the throne of God. Others have followed behind them, but those Magi had the privilege of being the first ones to fulfill the prophecies. When they arrived at the feet of the King, offering their treasures as they bowed in adoration, something shifted in the cosmos—God’s kingdom was coming; the nations were bringing their treasures!
 
Most of us probably don’t think about our own giving as continuing what the Magi began, and most of us probably don’t think about it as a fulfillment of prophecy. But if you are a Gentile (i.e., the nations) bringing your treasure to the throne of God in worship, that is exactly what it is! It is easy to forget the significance of giving, and easy to think about it as just “funding the church” or just “doing my duty.” Instead, this humble act of worship points to the fact that God’s kingdom is here, is coming, and one day, will arrive in fulness. In that moment, all of the nations will bring their treasures to the throne, just as the Magi did.
 
In Christ,
 
Steven+