Still awake?
Every evening, one step closer to Jesus.
August 5
What Will You Give Jesus?
Matthew 2:11
“Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11
Have you ever spent a long time looking for the perfect gift?
Maybe for your parents.
For a good friend.
Or for someone who is especially important to you.
The more we love someone, the more we think about what might bring them joy.
The wise men had prepared for their journey.
They knew they did not want to appear before the newborn King empty-handed.
So they brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
They were precious gifts.
Not just anything.
But the best they had.
Why?
Because they understood before whom they were standing.
Before a King.
But as I read this story, another question comes to mind.
What did Jesus really need?
Did the Creator of the universe need gold?
Did the Son of God need frankincense?
Did heaven need myrrh?
Not really.
Jesus did not need their gifts.
But the wise men needed that moment.
Because every gift said:
“You are important to me.”
Gifts have a special language.
They express appreciation.
Love.
Gratitude.
Trust.
Maybe you are wondering now:
“What could I give Jesus? I have neither gold nor frankincense.”
I believe Jesus is looking for something very different.
He wants your heart.
Not because He needs something from you.
But because He loves you.
Maybe the greatest gift you can give Jesus today is your time.
Five minutes when you put your phone aside and talk with Him.
Maybe it is your honesty.
You stop pretending before God that everything is fine.
Maybe it is your willingness to forgive.
Or to help someone.
Or to admit a mistake.
Jesus delights in every gift that comes from love.
Not because of the size of the gift.
But because of the heart behind it.
The wise men opened their treasure chests.
Maybe Jesus is inviting you tonight to open something even more precious.
Your heart.
Because that is where He wants to live.
And when Jesus lives in your heart, He does not change only one moment.
He changes your whole life.
Think About It
If Jesus were at your home tonight –
what gift would you sincerely give Him?
Prayer
Dear Papa,
thank You that I do not have to prove anything to You.
You are not looking for gold or precious gifts.
You want my heart.
Tonight I want to give it to You again.
Take my life into Your hands and help me live in a way that brings You joy.
Thank You that Jesus loved me first.
Amen.
Sleep well.
Your loving Papa does not rejoice over what you possess.
He rejoices over what you entrust to Him.
See you tomorrow.
