Daily Prayer Devotional - Today's Inspiration

A Prayer for Generosity Like the Wise Men
By Sophia Bricker

Bible Reading:
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:10-11, NIV).

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Young Nicholas inherited a sizable income from his parents, enough to live comfortably without further thought about daily needs. Yet, growing up with Christian parents and having placed faith in Jesus, he could not bring himself to waste his money on selfish pursuits. He devoted himself to living charitably and, when he grew older, began leaving gifts secretly to help individuals living in poverty. Today, he is known as Saint Nicholas, a bishop of Myra who lived during the fourth century and who became the basis for the legend of Santa Claus. The church continues to remember this man as someone who lived generously in honor of Christ.

Long before Saint Nicholas was known for charitable giving, other men gave gifts to honor the Messiah. Scripture tells us that wise men or Magi from the east traveled to Jerusalem, and then Bethlehem, by following the guidance of a star (Matthew 2:1-2, 9). Their knowledge of the prophecies concerning the coming Savior and their excitement for the birth of the child propelled them onward. When they finally arrived at the place where the Christ child was living with Mary and Joseph, the wise men worshiped Jesus and offered gifts. Their gifts had symbolic significance: the gold represented Jesus' Kingship, frankincense His Priesthood, and myrrh His role as the Suffering Servant who would die for the sins of the world. But we should also note that the Magi’s gifts came from a heart of praise. Having beheld Christ, they could not help but present their treasures in worship of the new King.

Joyful generosity comes when our hearts are properly set on our Savior. Anyone can give if pressured or taught it is their duty, but people do not usually invest their resources in things they do not care about. As the Lord Jesus taught during His earthly ministry, where our treasure is, there our heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). What we do with our resources reveals what we love most.

For followers of Jesus, the way we use our time, money, possessions, and talents is influenced by our new life in Him. Like Saint Nicholas, we will feel convicted about the way we utilize what has been entrusted to us, wanting to use our gifts for the glory of God. Instead of hoarding money or grasping onto what we own, we live with open hands. Instead of harboring a spirit of scarcity, we give from the abundant life we possess in Christ (John 10:10). Instead of begrudgingly giving, we joyfully share with others (2 Corinthians 9:7). We will desire to lay down our treasures at the feet of our Savior, as the wise men did all those years ago.

Of course, the way we practically live out generosity will look different in each of our lives. Not everyone will throw purses through windows as Saint Nicholas did or give gold, frankincense, and myrrh like the wise men. Yet each person has unique opportunities to serve the Lord with their resources. And it all starts with beholding Jesus and worshiping Him as King.

Let’s Pray:

Great Savior, I stand in awe of Your majesty and grace. How amazing it is that You, the Lord of all, came into the world, born as a humble baby. You did not despise the task but chose to identify Yourself with us by taking on human flesh and saving us from our sins. Many people at that time did not recognize Your coming, as they did not expect the Great King of the universe to be born of a lowly virgin in Bethlehem. But the wise men, Gentiles from a distant land, perceived the significance of Your birth.

They came and bowed down in worship, offering gifts befitting royalty. None of them were under compulsion when they gave. Rather, the Magi presented their gifts in joy and from a heart of worship. Develop in me this same spirit of generosity so that I may use my resources to honor You. Guide me in my giving and fill me with courage as I share my life with others. For everything I have is from You, the Author of salvation and life. Amen.

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Pink_frog

Sophia Bricker Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.

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