Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)

We know little about the wise men who came seeking the Christ Child.

According to certain legends, they originated in Persia or China. They journeyed through the desert for three years, guided by a heavenly star, to Bethlehem in search of Jesus, whom they joyfully recognise as the King of the Jews.

Jesus is not merely the King of the Jews, but the King of Kings who reigns in majesty over all things for His glory. The narrative of the wise men reveals God's heart for the nations. God, in His grace, makes His name known to people of every tribe, nation, and tongue, inviting them to worship Him.

As God led the wise men to His Beloved Son, God will lead us and others to Jesus, and like the wise men, our proper response is to worship Him. Worship is more than giving your Sundays to God. Worship involves mission and mission involves worship.

Worship always comes before mission, and our worship fuels our mission's motivation and momentum. When there is no worship, there is no mission. However, when worship finds its foremost place in a church community, mission is both the acts and means by which we invite others to worship alongside us. Worship and mission go hand in hand. Being a worshipper is the same as being a missionary. There is no difference between the two. Any notion of separation is a form of disobedience.

When Jesus takes His true place in your heart, you can live a life of sincere and dedicated worship. Because we are overwhelmed by Jesus' majesty, beauty, and splendour, there is joyous abandonment and freedom.

Passionate worship leads to purposeful living. There is a clear call to the transformation of nations and lives when there is authentic worship. We are all called to worship God and to reveal God's heart to our neighbours down the block and throughout the world.