Put yourself in the place of the Wise Men. What would their journey have been like? What kind mental struggles did they wrestle with? Did they ever ask themselves if the trip was really worth it? Did they wonder if they should be gone from home that long or consider what their wives would say? Were they worried about missing work? Were they afraid that their camels wouldn't make it that far? Did they wonder if the people would be nice to them? Was this all going to be too expensive would the journey be too dangerous?

Those Magi could have made all kinds of excuses so they would not have had to make the trip to see the King of Jews. However these men were wise and not just wise because they were the smart guys. These Magi were wise spiritually. They were looking for the one born King of the Jews so that they could worship him. Their true wisdom was faith in the promised one.

Today we are celebrating Epiphany. Epiphany means, "shining forth." Jesus - God from God, light from light, true God from true God - shines forth for all people of the world, like the Magi from the East. Epiphany is a great reminder to us of our most important mission - to spread the gospel to all people. All people - young and old, rich and poor, people of all races and nationalities need to believe in Jesus Christ to be saved. It is our job as Christians to take Jesus to the world.

As we prepare ourselves to carry out that mission, let's Be Wise Like the Magi. Let us go to Jesus. Let us give to Jesus. As with the Wise Men, our mission starts with our worship and our giving.

PART ONE: LET US GO TO JESUS

We don't know how many Wise Men went to see Jesus. We don't exactly were they were from. We don't know exactly when they got to Bethlehem. We do know that those Wise Men did not see Jesus lying in the manger. Their camels were not side by side with the shepherds' sheep on Christmas night. The Bible tells us that Joseph, Mary, and the baby had moved into a house by the time the Magi came.

What we do know is that those Magi went to find Jesus. They followed the star from the East in order to worship the newborn king. Imagine though, if they would have given into an excuse not to go. Oh, how those guys would have missed out! They would not have been able to see the Savior of the World. They would not have been able to kneel before Jesus and worship him.

Now think of all the excuses people make so they don't have to go see Jesus and worship him. I am not talking about going to Bethlehem. I am talking about coming here to God's house to listen to the Word of God, that Word that shows you Jesus. I have heard all kinds of excuses. Maybe you have made some yourselves like my job doesn't allow me to come to church very often. I can worship God from my own home just fine. Church is not fun enough for me.

Think about any excuses you make to miss worship in God's house. Think about the reasons you make up to skip devotions with your family. Think about the rationale you use to avoid Bible study. Are they good excuses? Are you doing yourself any favors? Are you hurting yourself or your family? Are you just giving into devil, the world, and your sinful flesh?

Sadly sinful natures win these types of battles all the time in our imperfect world. Whenever we choose worldly excuses over going to see Jesus, we are the ones responsible for it. We cause great harm to ourselves with these sinful attitudes. Consider how damaging this disrespect for Jesus can be for human beings. Failing to go to see Jesus in Bible study and in worship could eventually lead you to unbelief and eternally to hell.

But let us stop for a moment and observe the Wise Men as they make their journey. They probably ran into obstacles along the way. They had to stop in Jerusalem for directions, didn't they? But those Wise Men kept on going to see the Savior. They had faith.

Let's be wise like those Magi and go to Jesus also. Let's go every day of our lives, because when we enter into the presence of God, we see his abounding mercy. When kneel before Christ the King, we see our eternal salvation. But remember: our journey to Jesus does not give us salvation. Jesus made the journey to us to give us salvation. He came to earth to live a perfect life for us. He willingly died on the cross to redeem us from the devil. He rose from the dead on that magnificent Easter Sunday so that we have forgiveness of sins, new life, and salvation in heaven. Be wise like the Magi and go to Jesus, for in your worship you will see your salvation.

Going to Jesus is how we prep for mission work. This blessed work starts with us on bended knee worshipping Jesus. Mission fields start when we first hear the gospel. Begin your task with Holy Spirit filling you up with the saving Word. Then you will know the ins and outs of Scripture as you take the Light of the World to the world. Be wise and go to Jesus. Worship him and be filled with faith through the Word.

We have a job to do and we must never lose our focus because of selfish standards. God keeps us here to spread the good news that Jesus Christ has forgiven sin and freely gives eternal life.

How we carry out that mission may take on many different forms. We support missionaries who are proclaiming the peace of Christ Jesus around the world where we cannot go. We maintain missions here in our homeland so that our people might hear the life-changing message of the gospel. We have the Christian Elementary School, the Andrew Plan, a campus ministry, Christmas for Kids, Easter for Kids and other evangelism projects. The reality of these missions is that they come with a cost. But as your consider the cost of missions, remember that you are not just giving your time, talents, and treasures to one of these projects. Rather you are giving your time, talents and treasures to God first.

PART TWO: GIVE TO JESUS

Let us be wise like the Magi and give our gifts to Jesus. Those gifts of the Wise Men were not cheap. They didn't just pull out the loose change in their pockets. They gave generous gifts of love to the Savior. They gave Jesus gold, incense, and myrrh, very valuable gifts. Neither time nor distance could stop them from bringing those presents for the Christ child. They really wanted to give to Jesus gifts to honor him. They were gifts of faith. Gifts like this are precious to Jesus because of the faith that gives the gifts.

Be wise like the Magi and give your gifts of faith. God wants our hearts. God wants our worship. Let us give it to him with joyful faith that never holds back. Christ is our King. He deserves our best gifts given out of love.

And you know what...when we give gifts of faith that support the mission of the church God gives great joy in return. Your gifts may bring someone to church for the very first time. Your gifts to Jesus may help missionaries share the message of salvation with people around the world. Your gifts may help bring a child to this baptismal font so that the little one can be made a child of God. Be filled with joy to know that God uses our little offerings for such great tasks! Rejoice that Word of God is ringing out around the world and that Jesus has allowed us to take part in this magnificent work!

Those Wise Men embarked on that long journey to see Jesus in order to give their gifts to the King. Ask yourself today, what great efforts are you making to give to Jesus? Are you continually giving Jesus precious gifts of faith? The beginning of the New Year is a great time to evaluate how you are giving your time, talents and treasures to the King. Examine how you give to Jesus, and ask yourself if you are being wise?

God has given you all blessings to use in worship to him. Could you use a family vacation to go on a mission trip and help out a church in another part of the country? Why not? Could you call on the visitors that come to church for the first time? Why not? Could you send more money to help our missionaries over seas? Why not? Could you help the church with the prospect list or evangelism programs? Why not? Make sure you spend some time evaluating this. Ask yourself, "How will I give to Jesus in 2006."

CONCLUSION:

The Wise Men could have probably just stayed home. If they would have, they would not have been very wise though. The Holy Spirit gave them faith, led them Jesus, and moved them to give their gifts to the Savior. Be wise like the Magi. Go to Jesus and give to Jesus. He has given you faith. He has given you a mission.

Your mission work starts on bended knee. It continues as you worship the King of Kings with gifts of prayer, service, and treasures. The Light of the World has come. Share the good news with all. AMEN.