“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)
I read the book, The 5 Love Languages, many years ago and realized that gift-giving is a love language that I am fluent in. I’ve always loved finding meaningful gifts that show others they are known and loved. However, I don’t believe I’ve ever given anyone the gift of gold and I’m confident I’ve never taken it as a gift to a baby shower.
The Magi knew something that many gentiles did not. They had heard whispers of a king born and saw an unusual star, which they felt compelled to follow. So, they set off with gifts fit for a king – gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Gold represents the most precious of metals and is rare in its purest form. The value of gold has been established since ancient times and was used to honor kings. King Solomon had an ivory throne overlaid with the best gold (1 Kings 10:18). In Exodus 25, God gives instructions for the tabernacle to be built with gold. The Ark of the Covenant was constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The mercy seat and two cherubim were made of pure gold. Because gold is a pure and valuable metal, it is also associated with God’s principles and promises – all of which are perfect and pure.
The Magi’s gift of gold proclaimed Jesus to be King at birth. Jesus is referred to as the King of the Jews two times in His earthly life: at His birth by the Magi and at His trial and crucifixion.
Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say." (Matthew 27:11)
Not only did Pilate call Jesus the King of the Jews, but he also wrote a title to go on the cross. And the writing was, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19)
When the Magi came before Jesus, they “fell down and worshipped Him” and presented him with their gifts (Matthew 2:11). In doing so, they acknowledged Him both as Lord and King. They knew gold was of high value and brought the very best to Jesus.
While most of us can’t give gifts of gold, our faith is much more precious than gold. 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains that Peter has just finished pronouncing a blessing to God and thanking Him for His Sovereign mercy in granting salvation to those He’s called. Peter tells us there is an imperishable inheritance kept in Heaven that is not bound by the forces of this earth. He tells us to rejoice in that expectation…
“though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Just as gold must go through fire to have impurities removed and refined, we must go through trials to produce the same results in our lives. And though gold is a precious commodity, Peter reminds us that the genuineness of our faith is even more precious to God. So precious in fact, that the outcome of the refining process will produce something in us that will result in praise and glory and honor to God.
There is no gift that we can share with a higher value than our faith. As we reflect on the Magi’s gift of gold, let us offer our faith. A faith that believes in the goodness of God and acknowledges Jesus as the King of Kings who reigns over the whole world.
“...he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those who are called, chosen, and faithful are with him.” (Revelation 17:14)